Korean Grammar I

ipda, beotda
,
to wear, to take off
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
In Korean, in most cases, the imperative form for a verb is the same as the plain present
tense so it's very simple to make imperative sentences. We will practice making
imperative sentences using the verbs for wearing and taking off clothes.
(ipda) is the verb that means "to wear" and "to put on" clothes in Korean. You
change it to (ibeo) to make it the present tense and also the imperative.
* (ipda) - "to wear"
* . (ibeo) - "I wear it." / "I put it on."
* . (ibeo) - "Wear it." / "Put it on."
* . (ibeoyo) - "I wear it." / "I put it on." (polite)
* . (ibeoyo) - "Please wear it." / "Please put it on." (polite)
In the dialogue of this lesson, since the speakers are family members, they are just using
intimate language and not adding - (yo) at the end.
(beotda) is the verb that means "to take off" and "to remove" clothes in Korean.
You change it to (beoseo) to make it the present tense and also the imperative.
* (beotda) - "to take off"
* (beoseo) - "I take it off."
* (beoseo) - "Take it off."
* (beoseoyo) - "I take it off." (polite)
* (beoseoyo) - "Please take it off." (polite)
Example Sentences
.(chima ibeo.)
"Put on this skirt."
.(geu baji beoseo.)
"Take off those trousers."
juseyo
please give me Category

Noun
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
Noun + ... (juseyo) is a very useful and basic expression in Korean that we use to
politely request something.
We can simply translate (juseyo) as "please give me..."
Formation
Noun + ... (juseyo)
To form this kind of phrase, simply use a noun(s) that you want to request and add
(jooseyo) right after the noun(s).
Example Sentences
For Example:
1. .
Mul juseyo.
"Please give me some water."
Item: (mul) "water"
"Please give me...": ... (juseyo)
"Please give me [item]": (mul juseyo)

"English": "Please give me some water.
And...
1. .
Keopi juseyo.
"Please give me some coffee."
Item: (keopi) "coffee"
"Please give me...": (juseyo)
"Please give me [item]": (keopi juseyo)
"English": "Please give me some coffee."
Related Expressions
(juseyo) is a formal expression.
The informal expression would be (jwo).
For Example:
1. (formal) = (informal)
2. (formal) = (informal)
yeogi, geogi, jeogi
, ,
here, there, over there
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Absolute Beginner
(yeogi), (geogi), (jeogi) are place words, and correlate to the English
"here," "there," and "over there."
(yeogi) is equivalent to the English "here."
(geogi) is roughly equivalent to the English "there."
This word implies that the location of conversation is far from the speaker, but close to
the listener.
(jeogi) is roughly equivalent to the English "over there."
This word implies that the location of conversation is far from both the speaker and
listener.
These words function as nouns, and adjectives as well.
Formation
These words can be used as nouns.
1. .
(yeogi-neun hanguk-imnida)
Here is Korea.
If they are used in conjunction with the verbs (gada) - to go, or (oda) - to
come, the direction particle or location particle, () [e(seo)], is attached to these
words.
+ = yeogi-e
1. .
(yeogi-eseo sul masyeosseo.)
(I) drank here.
2. .
(jeogi-e gasseoyo.)
(She) went over there.
Example Sentences
1. .
(jeo-do geogi-e gamnida)
I am also going there.
2. .
(jeogi-e-neun jihacheol yeogi eopsseumnida)
There is no subway station over there. (lit. Over there, there is no subway station).
[location is far away from both speaker and listener]
3. ?
(geogi-neun an chuwo?)
Isn\'t it cold there? (lit. There, isn\'t it cold?)
[location is far away from speaker, but close to the listener]
-a, -eo, -yeo
-, -, -
conjugation
Category
Conjunction
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
// are the syllables that start the present tense conjugation for the simple present
tense (both intimate and standard politeness levels), the past tense (both intimate and
standard politeness levels) and also start a few other grammatical constructions.
- is used for verbs that have or as the last vowel in the verb stem.
- is used for verbs that do not have or as the last vowel in the verb stem.
- is used for (hada) verbs.
Many times there are deletions and contractions with repeating vowels (If a verb stem
ends in a consonant there are no deletions or contractions). The following is a list:
Formation
/ Verb Stems
1. + ->
2. + ->
All other verbs
3. + ->
4. + ->
5. + ->
6. + ->
7. + ->
verbs
8. + ->
Example Sentences
1.Verb stem with [ + -> ]
(sada) - to buy
+-
(Intimate politeness level - simple present tense)
(Standard politeness level - simple present tense)
(oda) - to come
+-
(seoda) - to stand
+-
(juda) - to give
+-
(yeppeuda) - to be pretty
+ ->
(masida) - to drink
+ ->
7. Verb with [ + -> ]
(bonaeda) - to send
+ ->
8. (hada) verb [ + -> ]
+ ->
Notes
The standard politeness level typically just adds the politeness suffix - (-yo).
alda, moreuda (ara, molla)
, (, )
I know, I don't know
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
-
(ara) comes from the verb (alda) meaning "to know." It is casual language
and we can use it with close friends, family members, and people on close terms. We
can use it on its own as a statement expressing "I know (something)," with (something)
coming before the word (ara). Or we can use it to ask if one "knows (something),"
with (something) coming before the word (ara).
To be a bit more polite, one can add the politeness particle - (-yo) to the end of
(ara). Then we can use this with strangers and with people whom we should respect.
-- (molla) comes from the verb (moreuda) meaning "to not know." It is
casual language, and we can use it with close friends, family members, and people on
close terms. We can use it on its own as a statement expressing "I don't know
(something)," with (something) coming before the word (molla). Or we can use it
to ask if one "doesn't know (something)," with (something) coming before the word
(molla).
To be a bit more polite, one can add the politeness particle - (-yo) to the end of
(molla). Then, we can use this with strangers and with people whom we should respect.
Formation
Noun+/
Example Sentences
? (je beonho arayo?)

"Do you know my number?"
.(jungugeo molla.)
"I don't know Chinese."
apeuda (apa)
()
to sick
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(apa) comes from the verb (apeuda) meaning, "to be painful, to hurt." This
is in casual language, so we can use it with close friends, family members, and between
people on close terms. (appa) comes after the noun that refers to a part of the body
that is aching or a person who is sick.
Formation
Subject()+
Example Sentences
.(bae apayo.)
"I have a stomachache."
-go sipda
-
want to doCategory
Sentence Ending Particle
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Beginner
- (-go sipda) is a grammatical structure that expresses desire. We use this in

conjunction with action verbs (and the static verb ). We can translate this ending as
"want to (verb)."
The verb stem is inflected with the grammatical structure - (-go sipda).
(sipda) then can express mood, tense, politeness level, as any other verb.
Formation
[verb stem] + [ ]
For example:
1. (noraehada) - "to sing"

[] + [- ] (noraeha) + (go sipda)

noraehago sipda
"to want to sing"
2. (salda) - "to live"
[] + [- ] (sal) + (go sipda)

salgo sipda
"to want to live"
Example Sentences
1. .
jeo-neun hanguk-eseo salgo sipeoyo.
I want to live in Korea.
2. .
oneul achim-e abeoji-ga samgyeopsal-eul meokgo sipeosseoyo.
This morning, my father wanted to eat Korean bacon.
3. ... .
mal haejwo... na algo sipeo.
Tell me...I want to know.
deo
more
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
-
Level
Absolute Beginner
(deo) means, "more" and we use it in the same way as the English word "more" in a
sentence. We can use it as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb, and it comes before the
word that it modifies.
For Example:
1. .
bissayo.
"It's expensive."
(deo) + (bissayo)
"It's + more + expensive."
Example Sentences
1. .
Deo juseyo.
"Please give me some more."
2. .
Deo meogeo.
"Please eat some more."
3. ?
I-geo deo isseo?
"Do you have more of this?"
4. .
Deo gongbuhae.
"Study more."
5. .
Geunyeo-ga deo bogo sipeo.
"I miss her more."
neomu
too
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(neomu) is an adverb we use to describe something as excessive. When this is the

case, we translate it as "too" or "overly." At times, we use it as an intensifier. When that
is the case, we translate it as "very," "extremely," or "so."
Formation
(neomu) + Descriptive Verb
Example Sentences
1. .
i yeonghwa neomu jaemisseo.
"This movie is so good."
2. .
yeongeo neomu eoryeowoyo.
"English is too difficult."
3. . .
ki-ga neomu keo. silheo.
"He's too tall. I don't like him."
ppareuda, neurida
,
fast, slow
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(pallayo) means "fast" and is in the standard politeness level. We can use this in
situations that call for polite language. This comes from the verb (ppareuda)
meaning "to be fast."
- (neuryeoyo) means "slow" and is in the standard politeness level. We can use
this in situations that call for polite language. This comes from the verb
(neurida) meaning "to be slow."
Example Sentences
.(jeo-neun georeum-i ppallayo.)

"I walk fast." (literally, "my walking is fast.")
.(i buseu-neun neomu neuryeoyo.)

"This bus is too slow."
5W1H, eonje, eodiseo, nuga(nugu), mwo, wae, eotteoke5W1H, when, where, who,
what, why, how
5W1H, , , (), , ,
5W1H, when, where, who, what, why, how
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
? (eodi-yeyo?) is a phrase used to ask where something is. The literal

translation of this phrase is (eodi) - where, (yeyo) - is. This phrase can be
translated as "Where is (it)?"
(eonje) has the same meaning as the English word "when." We use it in Korean
just as frequently as in English.
The focus of this is the question word (eonje), which we translate as "when."
When asking a question in Korean, the question word typically comes at the front of the
sentence. Imlesson mediately after that, we say the verb. Oftentimes in Korean, a
subject is unnecessary and we can ask a question without a subject. When we leave out
a subject, we can usually assume it from the context of the conversation.
(wae) is a question word that we use to ask someone for an explanation. It is

equivalent to the word "why" in English. (wae) is not limited to questions. We can
also use it in sentences to provide clarification.
We translate (wae) as "why" in English. In the same situations we use "why" in

English, we can also use (wae) to find a specific reason or explanation for
something.In the context of this lesson, a verb follows (wae). We use (wae)to find
out the reason for the action of the verb. The formation of this particular usage is as
follows:
+ (wae + dongsa) "Why + verb"
* Note: We can often omit subjects in Korean. We have omitted the subjects in all the
lines of the dialogue in this particular lesson.
(museun) is a question word we use to specify and inquire about details. We

translate it as "what kind of?" Typically, a noun follows it. The noun that follows the
question word (museun) is what the speaker wishes to specify.
However, when (museun) meets any verb, it becomes (mwo). For example,
(mwo hae) is an expression to ask, "what are you doing?" (mwo) means "what"
and (hae) is the verb for "to do." Look up () in the dictionary. You can make
this more polite by saying, " ?" (mwo haeyo). In addition, if you know the noun
that indicates what you're doing now, you can use that word in place of (mwo).
(eoteokke) is a question word that we use to ask 'how'. You can place this
adverb in any locations. Also, you can simply say '(eoteokke)?' to ask 'how it
happened' or 'how will we do?' We can use the phrase (etteoke) in conjunction
with verbs other than (haeyo), meaning "do." Simply replace the verb
(haeyo) with different verbs.
(nuka)/(nuku) is a question word that we use to ask 'who'. (nugu) is a
question word that is equivalent to "who" in English. To ask who someone is in Korean,
you should use the question word (nugu) along with the Korean copula (ida),
which is equivalent to "to be" in English. (ida) has a number of conjugations, but
in conjunction with the question word (nugu), the conjugation becomes
(yeyo).
The phrase "Who is (he/she)" in Korean is ? (nuguyeyo?).
Formation
(Subject) + Question Word(,,,,) + Action Verb
Example Sentences
() ?
[(pyeonuijeom-i) eodi-yeyo?]
Where is (the convenience store)?
? (eonje gongbu hae?)
"When do you study?"
?(wae an ga?)
"Why aren't you going?"
?(oneul musun yoil-ieyo?)
"What day is it today?"
? (Mwo hae?) "What are you doing?"
? (igeo eoteokke halgeoya?) "How will you do this"
? (nuga watseo) "Who did come?"
mani, jeokke
,
many, little
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(mani) is an adverb and we use it to describe actions that are done "many" times or
"a lot." We also use it as an intensifier for descriptions to say that the subject is "very"
(description). As with any adverb, we place this in front of verbs.
(jeokke) is an adverb and we use it to describe actions that are doing 'a little' or 'not
that many'. We also say the adverb with 'very'(/maeu) to describe 'very little'. As
with any adverb, we place this in front of verbs.
Formation
(mani) + Verb
(jeokke) + Verb
Example Sentences
. (mani jayo.)
"I seep a lot."
(jeokke meokeoyo)
"I eat a little"
malgo

not A but B
Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(malgo) is an expression that you can use to negate one thing and emphasize the
other, telling another person that what you meant is different from what the other person
is saying or making it clear which one to choose over the other(s). We use almost
as an independent word but it actually comes from the verb (malda) meaning "to
stop doing something" or "to give up doing something," which we use in sentences
patterns such as "Let's not go," or "Let's not do it."
When we use along with nouns, you can replace with -/ (-i/ga
anira) or -/ (-i/ga anigo), which come from the verb ("to not be").
Formation
You can use with both nouns and verbs.
I. Noun +
A B = "Not A but B"
For example:
1.
"Not this one but that one."
2.
"Not you but me."
3.
"Not today but tomorrow."
II. Verb Stem + - +
For example:
1. .
"Don't play but study."
("to play") + ("to study")
2. , .
"Don't come here but go over there."
- ("here") + ("to come") + ("there") + ("to go")
Example Sentences
. (oneul malgo naeil oseyo.)
"Please come tomorrow, not today."
saek
colors in Korean
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
There are two ways to say most of the colors in Korean.
The first way is to use the names for the colors without using the word (saek kkal)
or (saek), both of which mean "color" in Korean.
The second way is to use the adjective forms of the color names and add or at
the end of them.
The two ways of saying the color names are equally common, but remember that you
need to use the adjective form of the color name to modify another noun.
Color Names in Korean
Korean Romanization "English" Adjective
Adjective +
()
Descriptive
Verb
ppalgang
"red"
()
parang
"blue"
()
norang
"yellow"
()
geomjeong
"black"
()
hayang
"white"
()
chorok
"green"
()
bora
"purple"
()
galsaek
"brown"
hoesaek
"gray"
** Note: , , , and don't have a separate "adjective" form.
Example Sentences
.(hayan tisyeocheu juseyo.)
"Please give me a white T-shirt."
-eul su itda , -eul su eopda
- ,-
can, cannot
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
-/ [-l/eul su itda] is a grammatical structure we use to express ability,

capability, or possibility (e.g., whether you can or can't speak English, or you can or
can't use a computer). We add this structure onto the end of both descriptive and action
verbs to express the possibility or capability of those verbs. We can translate this as
"can" or "able to."
We can conjugate the last verb, (itda), to express politeness level, tense, or mood.
Traditionally, the verb can inflect negation as well, but in this grammatical structure, the
negated form would come from the verb opposite to the verb [itda], which is -
[eopta]. We can translate the construction -/ [-l/eul su eoptda] as "cannot"
or "not able to."
However, when using the construction / [-l/eul su eoptda], this carries the
notion that the speaker (or subject of the sentence) was unable to do something because
he or she did not have the capacity to perform that activity. Using this structure implies
that the subject does not possess the ability to perform that action (i.e.,
meaning "I can't eat" ("I don't have the ability to eat")). When expressing the "can't"
because of factors other than inability, we use the impossibility adverb (mot).
Formation
Verb Stem + -/ or -/
Future / Present Tense

I. Verb stems ending in a vowel + - or -
1. [gada] to go
+ - => [gal su itda]: "to be able to go"
+ - => [gal su epda]: "to not be able to go"
2. [boda] to see
+ - => [bol su itda]: "to be able to see
+ - => [bol su eopda]: "to not be able to see"
3. [hada] - "to do"
+ - => [hal su itda]: "to be able to do"

+ - => [hal su eopda]: "to not be able to do"
II. Verb stems ending in a consonant + - or -
1. [itda]: "to exist" or "to have"

+ - => [itseul su itda]: "to be able to have ...
+ - => [itseul su eopda]: "to not be able to have"
2. [japda] to catch
+ - => [jabeul su itda]: "to not be able to catch...
+ - => [jabeul su eopda]: "to not be able to catch"
III. Verb stems ending with + - or -
1. [alda] to know
+ - => [al su itda]: "to not be able to know...
+ - => [al su eopda]: "to not be able to know"
Example Sentences
1. .
hakgyo gal su eopseoyo.
"I wasn't able to go to school." ("I didn't have the ability to.")
2. , .
son-i apaseo, sseul su eopseoyo.
"I can't write because my hand hurts."
3. .
yeongguk-e sal su isseumnida.
"I can live in England."
4. .
malhal su eopseoyo.
"I can't tell you."
5. ?
naeil-do ol su isseoyo?
"Can you come again tomorrow?"
6. ?
jeonyeok-e yeonghwa boreo gal su isseoyo?
"Can you go see a movie (with me) tonight?"
7. ?
jadongcha jom billil su isseoyo?
"Can I borrow (your) car for a while?"
8. ?
jeo dowajul su isseoyo?
"Can you help me?"
9. .
jeo-neun hangukeo hal su eopseoyo.
"I can speak Korean." (standard politeness level)
10. .
"I can't speak Korean." (standard politeness level)
11. .
gimchi-reul meogeul su eopseumnida.
"I can't eat kimchi." (formal politeness level)
12. .
gimchi-reul meogeul su isseumnida.
"I can eat kimchi." (formal politeness level)
dangyeonhaji, dangyeonhi
,
of course
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(dangyeonhaji) comes from the verb (dangyeonhada) meaning "to

be a matter of fact," and is in its intimate politeness level and the emphatic form. To
make it sound more polite, you can add - (yo) at the end to make it
(dangyeonhajiyo). But we often shorten this to in colloquial situations. You
can say whenever you want to say "Of course! That's a matter of course!"
If you want to say 'Of course' as adverb, you can say '' and place it in front of
verbs.
Similar expressions (in the intimate politeness level) are:
1. !
mullon-iji!
"Of course! Sure!"
2. ?
dangyeonghan geo anya?
"Isn't that a matter of course?"
3. !
geureoko malgo!
"That's for sure!"
Example Sentences
.
(Dangyeonhi halsu itseoyo) "Of course, I can do"
deowo, chuwo
,
hot, cold
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
different from (tteugeowo), which also means to be "hot to the touch." So, for
example, you can say about the weather and about a hot bowl of rice.
You can say as is to mean that "it's hot" or that "you're feeling hot," but you can
also add words to say what it is that's hot or what place it is that's hot.
For example:
1. .
nalssi-ga deowo.
"The weather is hot."
2. !
yeogi neomu deowo!
"It's too hot here."
-- (chuwo) means, "to be cold" as in temperature or weather. is in the intimate

politeness level and comes from the verb (chupda), which means "to be cold." You
can add - (yo) and say to be more polite. This is different from
(chagaowo), which also means to be "cold to the touch." So, for example, you can say
about the weather or a heavily air conditioned room and about a cold piece
of ice or a cold river after you have just jumped into it.
You can say as is to mean that "it's cold" or that "you're feeling cold," but you can
also add words to say what it is that's cold or what place it is that's cold.
For example:
1. .
oneul chuwoyo.
"It's cold today."
2. .
bang-i chuwoyo.
"The room is cold."
Formation
Subject()+/
Example Sentences
.(je bang-eun deowoyo.)
"My room is hot."
.(uri jib-eun neomu chuwoyo.)
"My house is too cold."
igeo, geugeo, jeogeo
, ,
this thing, that thing, the thing
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Absolute Beginner
(igeo), (geugeo), (jeogeo) are demonstrative pronouns, which we can

express as "this," "that," and "that over there," respectively. These words are pronouns
and we use them just as we use nouns.
(igeo) means "this."
(geugeo) means "that." It indicates the speaker is far from item under discussion
but the listener is close to it.
(jeogeo) means "that." It indicates both the speaker and listener are far from the
item under discussion.
All three of these have corresponding written forms.
Spoken:
, ,
Written:
, ,
Formation
We can break down the written form of these words as such:
[demonstrative modifier] + = , ,
For Example:
1. (geot) means "thing."
Literally, (igeot) means "this thing," (geugeot) means "that thing,"
and (jeogeot) means "that thing over there."
In spoken Korean, however, they are as follows:
(geo) means "thing."
Example Sentences
1. .
igeo-neun je chaek-iya.
"This is my book."
2. ?
jeogeo-neun nugukkeo-eyo?
"Who is that over there?"
3. ? .
geugeoyo? geugeo-neun moja-imnida.
"That? That's a hat."
5W1H, eonje, eodiseo, nuga(nugu), mwo, wae, eotteoke5W1H, when, where, who,
what, why, how
5W1H, , , (), , ,
5W1H, when, where, who, what, why, how
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
? (eodi-yeyo?) is a phrase used to ask where something is. The literal

translation of this phrase is (eodi) - where, (yeyo) - is. This phrase can be
translated as "Where is (it)?"
(eonje) has the same meaning as the English word "when." We use it in Korean
just as frequently as in English.
The focus of this is the question word (eonje), which we translate as "when."
When asking a question in Korean, the question word typically comes at the front of the
sentence. Imlesson mediately after that, we say the verb. Oftentimes in Korean, a
subject is unnecessary and we can ask a question without a subject. When we leave out
a subject, we can usually assume it from the context of the conversation.
(wae) is a question word that we use to ask someone for an explanation. It is

equivalent to the word "why" in English. (wae) is not limited to questions. We can
also use it in sentences to provide clarification.
We translate (wae) as "why" in English. In the same situations we use "why" in

English, we can also use (wae) to find a specific reason or explanation for
something.In the context of this lesson, a verb follows (wae). We use (wae)to find
out the reason for the action of the verb. The formation of this particular usage is as
follows:
+ (wae + dongsa) "Why + verb"
* Note: We can often omit subjects in Korean. We have omitted the subjects in all the
lines of the dialogue in this particular lesson.
(museun) is a question word we use to specify and inquire about details. We

translate it as "what kind of?" Typically, a noun follows it. The noun that follows the
question word (museun) is what the speaker wishes to specify.
However, when (museun) meets any verb, it becomes (mwo). For example,
(mwo hae) is an expression to ask, "what are you doing?" (mwo) means "what"
and (hae) is the verb for "to do." Look up () in the dictionary. You can make
this more polite by saying, " ?" (mwo haeyo). In addition, if you know the noun
that indicates what you're doing now, you can use that word in place of (mwo).
(eoteokke) is a question word that we use to ask 'how'. You can place this
adverb in any locations. Also, you can simply say '(eoteokke)?' to ask 'how it
happened' or 'how will we do?' We can use the phrase (etteoke) in conjunction
with verbs other than (haeyo), meaning "do." Simply replace the verb
(haeyo) with different verbs.
(nuka)/(nuku) is a question word that we use to ask 'who'. (nugu) is a
question word that is equivalent to "who" in English. To ask who someone is in Korean,
you should use the question word (nugu) along with the Korean copula (ida),
which is equivalent to "to be" in English. (ida) has a number of conjugations, but
in conjunction with the question word (nugu), the conjugation becomes
(yeyo).
The phrase "Who is (he/she)" in Korean is ? (nuguyeyo?).
Formation
(Subject) + Question Word(,,,,) + Action Verb
Example Sentences
() ?
[(pyeonuijeom-i) eodi-yeyo?]
Where is (the convenience store)?
? (eonje gongbu hae?)
"When do you study?"
?(wae an ga?)
"Why aren't you going?"
?(oneul musun yoil-ieyo?)
"What day is it today?"
? (Mwo hae?) "What are you doing?"
? (igeo eoteokke halgeoya?) "How will you do this"
? (nuga watseo) "Who did come?"
Hoching (ajeossi, ajumma, jagi)How to call Mr.Ms.Honey
(, , )
how to call Mr.Ms.Honey
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
In Korea many people do not refer to each other by names but rather by titles. This
applies to siblings, cousins, friends, professors, and even strangers. Strangers have titles
according to the age they seem. And this can create some difficulties because of the fact
that age must be guessed.
(ajeossi) - This title is used for older men approximately in their 30's and above.
There is no exact age when one is regarded as (ajeossi), but it generally means
that the person is not considered young any more. This phrase is neither considered rude,
nor impolite.
(ajumeoni) - This title is used for older women approximately in their mid
30's and above. Again, there is no exact age when one is regarded as
(ajumeoni), but it is used when the person is not considered young anymore.
Because of this, it can also be taken as an insult by women who want to consider
themselves as young. This phrase is neither considered rude, nor impolite, but is
something that women do not desire to be called. Also, many Koreans call
'(Ajumma) for shorten way, but it is considered rude in some cases.
(haksaeng) - This word means 'student.' This word is used for young people who
are (or seem to be) in High School or University. This is a general term for young
people, both male and female of this age, and it is not considered rude, nor impolite.
/ (Jagi / Dangshin) - This word means 'Honey, Darling' This word is used for a
wife/husband/boyfriend/girlfriend who are in serious relationship. Both men and
women can be called by this. It is not considered rude, not impolite.
Example Sentences
, . (Ajeossi, Jamkanmanyo.) Hey, Mister. Hold on a sec.
, . (Ajumma, eogi jumun jeom batdajuseyo). Excuse
me but please take an order please.
, . (Haksaeng, Igeok jjom dowajeo) Excuseme (Young guy) but
please help this.
, . (Jagi, saranghae) Honey, I love you.
itda
to exist, there is
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Absolute Beginner
The verb (itda) expresses existence. Do not confuse this with the Korean copula
(ida), which expresses equation. We can use the verb (itda) to express
existence, location, or possession.
We can use (itda) to say "to have" (possession).
For Example:
1. .
jeo-neun namjachingu-ga issseumnida.
"I have a boyfriend." (Literally, "I, boyfriend, exists" - "A boyfriend exists for
me.")
We can use (itda) to say "to be" (location).
For Example:
1. .
jeo-neun hakgyo-e issseumnida.
"I am at school." (Literally, "I, school, at, exist" - "I exist at school.")
We can also use (itda) to express "to be" (existence).
For Example:
1. .
yeogi goyangi-ga issseumnida.
"A cat is here." (Literally, "here, cat, exist" - "A cat exists here.")
Formation
(dictionary form)
(verb stem)
For Example:
1. - Conjugated in the formal simple present tense.
2. - Conjugated in the standard simple present tense.
3. - Conjugated in the intimate simple present tense.
4. - Conjugated in the formal present interrogative.
Example Sentences
1. .
cheonho ssi-neun yeojachingu-ga issseumnida.
"Cheonho has a girlfriend."
2. .
hanguk-e kimchi-ga issseumnida.
"There is kimchi in Korea."
3. .
eunju ssi-neun jib-e issseumnida.
"Eunju is at home."
Notes
The opposite of (itda), meaning "to exist," is (eoptda), meaning "to not
exist."
eoptda
to not exist
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Absolute Beginner
(eoptda) is the verb that expresses "to not exist." Do not confuse this with the
negative Korean copula (anida), meaning "to not be." This can express absence
or lack of possession.
We can use (eoptda) to express "to not be" (absence, non-existence).
For Example:
1. .
kimchi-ga eoptseumnida.
"There is no kimchi." (Literally, "kimchi, not exist" - "kimchi does not exist")
We can use (eoptda) to express "to not have" (possession).
For Example:
1. .
jeo-neun chingu-ga eopsseumnida.
"I don't have friends." (Literally, "I, friend, not exist" - "Friends do not exist for
me")
Formation
- Dictionary form
- Verb stem
For Example:
1. - Conjugated in the formal simple present tense.
2. - Conjugated in the standard simple present tense.
3. - Conjugated in the intimate simple present tense.
4. - Conjugated in the formal present interrogative.
Example Sentences
1. .
jeyun ssi-neun chingu-ga eopsseumnida.
"Jaeyun does not have friends. "
2. .
yeogi nayeong ssi-ga eopsseumnida.
"Nayeong is not here."
3. .
jeo-neun yeojachingu-ga eopssseumnida.
"I don't have a girlfriend."
Notes
The opposite of (eoptda), meaning "to not have," is (itda), meaning "to
have."
mot
cannot, unable, incapable

Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
(mot) is an adverb that expresses impossibility, inability, strong denial, or strong

refusal. We use this adverb mostly with action verbs. We can translate this adverb as
"can't," "won't," "not (possible)," or "unable to."
Formation
(mot), an adverb, immediately precedes verbs.
[ + Verb]
For Example:
1. (nolda) "to play"

(mot nolda) "to not be able to play"
With [noun] + [ (hada)] verbs, we place (mot) between the [noun] and [
(hada)].
[Noun + ] verb
For Example:
1. (gongbuhada) "to study"
(gongbu mot hada) "to not be able to study"
With other (hada) verbs, which are not [noun] + [ (hada)] verbs, (mot)
immediately precedes the whole verbs.
Other verbs:
For Example:
1.
"to not be able to dislike"
Example Sentences
1. . .
manhi meogeosseoyo. keikeu-reul mot meogeoyo.
"I ate a lot. I can't eat cake."
2. ! !
sikkeureowo! na gongbu mot hae!
"It's too loud! I can't study!"
3. .
Jihye ssi-reul mot mannasseoyo.
"I wasn't able to meet Jihye."
jal

well, nicely, closely
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
(jal) is an adverb that means "well," and we use it to describe a person's adequate
ability or capability of an action verb. When used in conjunction with the impossibility
adverb (mot), it describes a person's inadequate ability or capability of an action verb.
Formation
A. is an adverb and comes directly before action verbs as in the following structure:
+
"well + (verb)"
For Example:
1. .
"I eat well."
B. When we use it in conjunction with verbs that contain nouns, we place it
between the noun and as the following structure shows:
+ +
(noun) + "well" + (verb)
For Example:
1. .
"I'm good at basketball."
C. When we use the negative adverb (mot), the order is:
+ +
"well" + "can't" + (verb)
For Example:
1. .
"I'm not good at basketball."
Example Sentences
1. .
jeo-neun geul-eul jal sseoyo.
"I write well."
2. .
Minsu ssi-neun undong-eul jal haeyo.
"Minsoo is good at sports."
3. .
geurim-eul jal geuryeoyo.
"I draw pictures well."
Notes
Here are some common phrases you might use with.
For Example:
1. ?
"Did you get home well?"
2. ?
"Did you sleep well?"
3. ?
"Have you been well?"
4. .
"I'm not sure."
boda
than
Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
(boda) works like the English word than and we use it in comparison sentences.
But whereas the English word than comes before the word that is being the target of
comparison, the Korean word comes right after the word without any spacing.
When you want to compare verbs, you need to make the verb into its noun form before
combining it with .
Formation
[Noun] +
(na) I
than I / than me
[Noun Form of The Verb] +
(saenggakhada) to think
than I thought
than thinking
Example Sentences
1. . []
neo-boda nae-ga ttokttokhae.
I'm smarter than you.
2. ? [] []
igeot-boda ssan geo isseoyo?
Do you have anything cheaper than this?
3. . []
ramyeon-boda bab-i masisseoyo.
Rice is more delicious than noodles.
4. . []
beoseu-boda taeksi-ga pyeonhaeyo.
Taxis are more convenient than buses.
5. . []
oneul-boda naeil-i joayo.
Tomorrow is better than today.
Notes
We often add (deo) before the descriptive verb or adverb to emphasize the meaning.
-gi swipda, -gi eoryeopda
- , -
easy to do, hard to do
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Intermediate
- / (-gi swipda/eoryeopda) is used to describe something that is

easy/hard to + verb. Adding - at the end of a verb stem is one of the ways to
nominalize a verb in Korean. - / is sometimes used with the subject
particle in it. In this case, it becomes - /, but it's more common to hear
- /.
Formation
Construction
- Verb stem + - /
Note that and take the irregular conjugation.
Ex) (jolda) - to fall asleep
+ - =
. (It is easy to fall asleep.)
Ex) (ilgda) - to read
+ - = . (It is hard to read.)
Example Sentences
1. . (oneul-eun chuwoseo gamgi geolligi swiwoyo)
- It's cold outside today, so its easy to catch a cold.
2. . (geu sueop-eun neomu ihaehagi eoryeowoyo)
- That class is too hard to understand.
3. . (neo-neun neomu sagi danghagi swiwo)
- Youd fall for a fraud to easily.
4. . (gimchi-neun mandeulgi eoryeowoyo)

- Kimchi is difficult to make.
5. . (i chaek-eun geulssi-ga neomu
jagaseo ilggi eoryeowoyo)
- This book's print is too small, so it's difficult to read.
Notes
- is often interchanged with - (-gi himdeulda).
Ex)
- . = .
- . = .
daeumnext
next
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(daeum) is the word that means "next" or "after." This word is commonly used
both on its own and with other nouns.
Examples of (daeum) being used with other words:
1. (daeum ju) "next week"
2. (daeum dal) "next month"
3. (daeum beon) "next time"
4. (daeum saram) "next person"
Example Sentences
. (daeum ju-e boja.) "See you next week."
-myeon an doeda, -eumyeon an doeda.
- , - .
should not, must not
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
This grammatical construction expresses negative obligation in Korean. -()

[-(eu)myeon an doeda] is a verb ending that means "should not" or "must not." It is
a combination of the conditional "-"[-myeon], the negative adverb ""[an], and the
verb to become ""[doeda]. This grammatical structure can be translated as "if
(someone) doesn't (verb), it can't be" - or more simply: "must not (verb)."
The final verb (doeda) can often be replaced with the verb ""[hada] as the
final verb and still hold the same exact meaning.
The tense and politeness level is regularly expressed in the verb ""[doeda]
/""[hada]. Negation, however, is regularly expressed in the first verb.
Formation
Verb Stem + -() : must not I. "- " is attached to the end of clauses that end in consonants.
1. [ikda]: "to read"
(Verb stem ending in a consonant) + --->
[ilgeumyeon an doeda]: "You must not read it."

2. [meokda]: "to eat"
(Verb stem ending in a consonant) + --->
[meogeumyeon an doeda]: "You shouldn't eat"
II. "- " is attached to the end of clauses that end in vowels.
1. [masida]: "to drink"
(Verb stem ending in a vowel) + ---> [masimyeon
an doeda]: "You must not drink it."
2. [ttwida]: "to run"

(Verb stem ending in a vowel) + ---> [ttwimyeon an
doeda]: ""You shouldn't run."
Example Sentences
1. !
Dangsin-i tteonamyeon an dwaeyo!
You must not leave! (If you leave, it can't be!)
2. .
Geu saram-eul mannamyeon an dwaeyo.
You must not meet that person. (If you meet that person, it can't be.)
3. .
Geu hwajangsil sseumyeon an dwae.
You must not use that bathroom. (If you use that bathroom, it can't be.)
4. .
Neujeumyeon an dwaeyo
"You shouldn't be late."
5. .
Sul masimyeon an dwaeyo
"You must not drink alcohol."
6. .
Nae ilgi bomyeon an dwae
"You shouldn't read my diary."
7. .
Yeogi deureogamyeon an dwaeyo
"You shouldn't go in here."
8. ?
Na dowajumyeon an dwae?
"Can't you help me?"
an
not, don't (intentionally)

Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Absolute Beginner
(an) is an adverb which functions to negate a verb. It is typically translated as "not"

or "do not." It is usually used with action verbs, and placed before the verb. When used
in conjunction with action (hada) verbs, it is usually placed after the (hada)
noun and right before (hada). For non-action (hada) verbs, it is placed before
the whole verb.
Formation
[] + []
[an] + [dongsa]
[do not] + [verb]
[] + [] + [ ]
[myeongsa] + [an] + [hada dongsa]
[noun] + [not] + [hada verb]
[] + [ ]
[an] + [hada dongsa]

[not] + [hada verb]
Example Sentences
1. .
oneul hakgyo an gasseoyo.
I didn't go to school today.
2. .
jeo-neun gongbu an haeyo.
I don't study.
3. .
keopi-reul an johahaeyo.
I don't like coffee.
gwaenchana?
?
okay?
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
? (gwaen-chan-a), which means "Are you all right?" is a very common

expression we use to ask whether or not someone is feeling okay.
You can add (jom), which means "some," "a little," or "a few," right before
(gwaen-chan-a) to make it sound more natural.
For Example:
1. ?
jom gwaen-cha-a?
"Are you all right?"
The expression ? "Are you all right?" is very similar to ? (eo-ddae), which
means "How is?"/"How about?" As you will see below, you can use these phrases in
conjunction to ask about someone's condition. You can review them in Absolute
Beginner Season 2 Lesson 5.
Formation
Specific Body Part (noun) + particles (/) + ( jom) + ? (gwaen-chan-a):
"Is your (noun) all right/okay?"
Example Sentences
1. () ?
Meo-ri-neun (jom) gwaen-chan-a?
"Is your head okay?"
2. ? ?
Pal-eun jom eo-ddae? Pal-eun gwaen-chan-a?
"How is your arm? Is it all right?"
3. ? ?
Bae-neun jom eo-ddae? Bae-neun jom gwaen-chan-a?
"How is your stomachache? Is it okay?"
4. ? ?
Da-ri-neun eo-ddae? Da-ri-neun jom gwaen-chan-a?
"How is your leg? Is it all right?"
eoddae?
?
What about A?
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
A. Noun(s) + (eoddaeyo?) is a very basic and simple "how" question.
B. Koreans often politely (formally) ask about opinions by saying - ?

(eoddaeyo?), meaning "How is?" or "How about?"
Formation
Here is the way to form this construction:
- noun(s) + Topic-marking particle (eun)/ (neun) + (eoddaeyo?)
Example Sentences
1. ?
"How about my clothes?"
(Note: "my" is (nae), and "clothes" are (ot))
C. When informally speaking, we use -? (eoddae?), meaning "How is?" or "How
about?"
Notes
1. () ?
Keopi(neun) eoddayo?
"How is coffee?"/"How about coffee?"
2. () ?
Chaek(eun) eoddaeyo?
"How is a book?"/"How about a book?"
3. () ?
Banchandeul(eun) eoddaeyo?
"How are side dishes?"/"How about side dishes?"
4. () ?
Hangukeo(neun) eoddaeyo?
"How is Korean?"/"How about Korean?"
-go sipda
-
want to doCategory
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Beginner
- (-go sipda) is a grammatical structure that expresses desire. We use this in

conjunction with action verbs (and the static verb ). We can translate this ending as
"want to (verb)."
The verb stem is inflected with the grammatical structure - (-go sipda).
(sipda) then can express mood, tense, politeness level, as any other verb.
Formation
[verb stem] + [ ]
For example:
1. (noraehada) - "to sing"

[] + [- ] (noraeha) + (go sipda)

noraehago sipda
"to want to sing"
2. (salda) - "to live"

[] + [- ] (sal) + (go sipda)

salgo sipda
"to want to live"
Example Sentences
1. .
jeo-neun hanguk-eseo salgo sipeoyo.
I want to live in Korea.
2. .
oneul achim-e abeoji-ga samgyeopsal-eul meokgo sipeosseoyo.
This morning, my father wanted to eat Korean bacon.
3. ... .
mal haejwo... na algo sipeo.
Tell me...I want to know.
tto
again
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(tto) is the word that means "again," and just like in English, this word can give off
various nuances depending on the tone of speech by the speaker.
Examples:
1. If you say it plainly, it just means "again" or "once again." For example:
A. ! (Tto boja!) "See you again!" (intimate)
2. If you say it with a rising tone, you can express sarcasm or surprise, like in this
lesson's dialogue.
A. . (Aiseukeurim meokja.) "Let's eat ice cream." (intimate)
B. ??? (Tto???) "Again???" (intimate)
Example Sentences
. (tto jeo-yeyo.) "It's me again."
ssada, bissada
,
inexpensive(cheap), expensive
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
-
Level
Beginner
(ssayo) is an expression that means "it's cheap." You can add a noun that you
consider inexpensive before this verb. Look up (ssada) in the dictionary.
(bissayo) is an expression that means "it's expensive." '(bi)' means 'not', so if
you add '(bi)' in front of (ssayo/cheap), it means 'expensive'. You can add a noun
that you consider expensive before this verb. Look up (bissada) in the
dictionary.
For example:
1. (gabang) "bag" + .
.
gabang bissayo
"The bag is expensive."
Example Sentences
. .(Jinjja ssayo. Igeo saseyo.)
"It's really cheap. Buy this one."
. ?
(neomu bissayo. igeo-neun eolma-yeyo?)
"It's too expensive. How much is this one?"
-kka?
-?
is it? / does it? (question particle)
Category
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
[Noun] + (imnida) = "to be" [Noun]

This pattern becomes the predicate of a sentence when followed by a noun.
Now let's learn how to make the predicate of a sentence into a formal interrogative
sentence.
It's very simple. Locate (kka) in the position of (da), at the end of a sentence.
Adding the ending (kka) turns the predicate of a sentence into a formal interrogative
sentence.
Formation
Formation : Subject + [Name/Noun] + ? (imnikka?): "Am/Are/Is
[Noun]...?"
Example Sentences
For Example:
1. ?
Geu-neun Tim imnikka?
"Is ["be" verb] he [subject] Tim [name]?" = "Is he Tim?"
2. ?
I-geot-eun ga-bang-imnikka?
"Is ["be" verb] this [subject] a bag [noun]?" = "Is this a bag?"
3. ?
Jeo-geot-eun hak-kyo-imnikka?
"Is ["be" verb] that [subject] a school [noun]?" = "Is that a school?"
4. ?
I-geot-eun mu-eot-imnikka?
"What [interrogative pronoun] is ["be" verb] this [subject]?" = "What is this?"
5. ?
Gue-geot-eun eol-ma-imnikka?
"How much [interrogative pronoun] is ["be" verb] the one [subject]?" = "How much is
the one?"
Related Expressions
Absolute Beginner Season 2 Lesson 2:
[Noun] + (imnida) = "to be" [Noun]
This pattern becomes the predicate of a sentence when followed by a noun.
Subject + [name/noun] + (imnida) "to be"

For Example:
1. .
Geu-nuen tim imnida.
"He [subject] is ["be" verb] Tim [name]." = "He is Tim."
2. .
I-geot-eun ga-bang-imnida.
"This [subject] is ["be" verb] a bag [noun]." = "This is a bag."
maewoyo, jjayo, singeowoyo
, ,
spicy, saulty, flat (tastes)
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(maewoyo) means "it's spicy." As you know, the Korean cuisine includes a lot
of spicy dishes, therefore, naturally (maewoyo) is a very commonly used phrase
when eating something spicy. You can put (an) before to mean "it's NOT
spicy." Look up the word (maepda) in the dictionary.
(jja) means "It's salty." It's in the intimate politeness level. You can add - at the
end to be more polite. Look up (jjada) in the dictionary.
(singgeowo) means, "It tastes flat." It's in the intimate politeness level. You can
add - at the end to be more polite. Look up (singgeopda) in the dictionary.
Since many Korean dishes contain a lot of salt, we can also translate
(singgeowo) as, "It needs more salt."
Example Sentences
.(I gimchi an maewoyo.)
"This kimchi is not spicy."
. (Hanguk eumsik-eun jjayo.)
"Some Korean food is salty."
.(Guk-i neomu singgeowoyo.)
"The soup tastes too flat."
myeongneonghyeong
Imperative (Standard/Intimate Politeness Level)

Category
Grammartical Information
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Beginner
One of the imperative conjugations of Korean verbs has the same set of conjugations as
the simple present tense (in regards to the standard/intimate politeness level). We can
conjugate verbs the same as the simple present tense, yet they have different usages, one
of which is the imperative. Although we can conjugate these verbs in the same manner,
they have a different function.
As stated above, the imperative is the same as the simple present tense in regards to the
standard and informal politeness levels.
Formation
[Verb Stem] + [//]
For example:
1. (hada)
[] + [] =
(ha) + (ya) = hae
2. (gada)
[] + [] =
(ga) + (a) = ga
3. (boda)
[] + [] =
(bo) + (a) = bwa
4. (sseuda)
[] + [] =
(sseu) + (eo) = sseo
The formal politeness level uses the conjugation: () (sipsio)
Verb Stem + ()
For example:
1. (oda) to come
+ ()
come (imperative - formal politeness level)
Note: We can often find the written form () on signs on the street, giving
warning or directions to the public.
We can find the spoken version of this in many historical Korean dramas as well,
however, its use is only relegated to written Korean in modern Korean.
Example Sentences
1. .
ppalli bap meogeo.

"Hurry and eat." (intimate)
2. .
jip-e gaseyo.
"Please go home." (standard)
3. .
mul masyeoyo.
"Drink water." (standard)
4. .
mun-eul dadeusipsio.
"Please, close the door." (formal)
5. .
mul-eul dadeusio.
"Please, close the door." (written)
Notes
This conjugation is the same as the simple present tense, only in regards to standard and
intimate politeness levels. We do not use the formal politeness imperative often in
casual spoken Korean, or even in formal situations. We generally reserve it for people
of extreme importance (i.e., kings, queens, royalty, presidents, high-ranking military
officials, etc.).
byeollo
not especially, not particularly

Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
The letter '' in '' means 'particular' or 'special', so should (and used to) mean
'particularly' or 'especially.' But now it is only used to mean 'not particularly' or 'not
especially,' as it must be followed by a negative ending or a negative adverb (a negative
component).
Formation
There are two ways to use with a negative component.
1. Used with a negative adverb (, )
+ (negative adverb) + verb
- negative adverb (not)
(descriptive verb) - to be busy
+ +
= not very busy, not especially busy, not particularly busy
+ (negative adverb) + verb
- negative adverb (can't)
(action verb) - to do
+ +
= can't particularly do (not particularly good at), can't especially do (not
especially good at)
2. Used with a negative sentence ending.
(verb) + negative ending
(descriptive verb) - to be big

- (negative sentence ending)
+ +
. = Not especially big, not particularly big.
Example Sentences
(a) . - It is not particularly big.
(The negative component is )
(b) . - This book is not too expensive.
(c) . - I don't have much time.
(d) . - He doesn't have many friends.
wie
on top of
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(wi-e) means "on top of, over," or "above." This is a combination of two words:
(wi), meaning "up" or "above," and (e), which means "at, to," or "in." Therefore
together, + (wi-e) has the meaning of "on top of (something)." The word that
(wi-e) modifies comes before (wi-e). When we use (wi-e) on its own, it
means "up there."
Formation
For Example:
Noun + = "on top of/over/above" + Noun
1. (jadongcha) "car"
+
(wi-e) "on top of"
Becomes
jadongcha wi-e
"on top of the car" / "on the car"
Example Sentences
Korean
Romanized
. Chaeksang wi-e
isseo.
Chaeksang wi-e
.
nwa.
. Chaeksang wi-e
eopseo.
Wi-e isseoyo.
.
.
Geogi wi-e bwa.
"English"
"It's on the table."
"Please put it on the
table."
"It's not on the table."
"It's up there."
"Check up there."
mite
under, beneath
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(mit-e) means "below, under," or "beneath." (mit-e) is a combination of two

words, (mit) and (e). (mit) is a noun that means, "under, below," or "beneath."
(e) means, "at, to," or "in." So together, (mit-e) means, "under (something)."
The word that (mit-e) modifies comes before (mit-e). When we use
(mit-e) on its own, it means "under there."
Formation
For Example:
Noun + = "under/below/beneath" + Noun
1. (uija) "chair"
+
(mit-e) "under"
Becomes
uija mit-e
"under the chair"
Example Sentences
Korean
Romanized
"English"
Uija
mi-teo
isseo.
"It's under the table."
.
.
.
Uija mi-te eopseo. "It's not under the

table."
Mi-te eopseoyo. "It isn't down there."
Mi-teo chajabwa. "Search down there."
Mit-e dwo.
yoil
"Please put it under

there."

day of the week
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
We express the days of the week in Korean by adding the word (yoil) to the end of
the letter that represents each day. The names are based on the Chinese characters that
represent different things in nature.
Name
Chinese
Character
Meaning
Days
(il)
Sun
(iryoil)
(wol)
Moon
(woryoil)
(hwa)
Fire
(hwayoil)
(su)
Water
(suyoil)
(mok)
Tree
(mogyoil)
(geum)
Gold
(geumyoil)
(to)
Earth
(toyoil)
Notes
Sometimes, when referring to several days of the week, we only use the first letters.
For Example:
1. (wolhwasu)
"Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday"
2. (wolsugeum)
"Monday, Wednesday, Friday"
meonjeo
first, before someone

Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(meonjeo) means, "first" or "before" someone or something. We can use

(meonjeo) to indicate the order of certain actions or to start a speech or conversation.
When we use it to start a speech, it's understood as "before anything" or "first of all."
Formation
1. (meonjeo) + (ga) = "first" + "you go"
"You go first." ("I'll go after you.")
2. ,
meonjeo, wa jusyeoseo gamsahamnida
"First of all, thank you for coming."
Example Sentences
1., .
Meonjeo, hal mal-i isseoyo.
First, I have something to tell you.
2. .
Meonjeo malhae.
You say it first.
3. .
Meonjeo naga.
You go out first.
4. .
Meonjeo hagi sireo.
I don't want to do it first.
5. .
Meonjeo gal-ge.
I'm leaving first (before you).
meo haseyo?
?
what do someone do?
Category
Phrase
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
? (mwo haseyo?) literally means "what are you doing?" or "what do you do?"
(mwo) means "what" and (haseyo) is a way of saying that someone does
something. But you can use this expression to ask about someone's profession,
especially when you are starting to get to know more about a new person or his/her
family. You can put a person's name or title before this expression to show to whom
you're referring.
For Example:
1. (abeoji) "father"
+
? (mwo haseyo?) "What does he do?"
= "What does your father do?"
2. (eonni) "older sister for a female"
+
? (mwo haseyo?) "What does she do?"
= "What does your older sister do?"
Example Sentences
?(abeoji-neun mwo haseyo?)
"What does your father do?"
ssitda, gamda, dakda
, ,
to wash, to brush
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(ssitda) is the verb that means "to wash." For the verb (ssitda), you get rid of
(da) and the end and you have (ssit), the verb stem, and then you add -
(eosseo) to make the past tense.
You can add objects in front of the verb.
* (son) - "hand"
* (son ssiseosseo) - "I washed my hands."
* (keop ssiseosseo) - "I washed the cup."
(meori-reul gamda) is the expression that means "to wash one's hair." If
you translate "to wash one's hair" literally into Korean, it would be
(meori-reul ssitda) using the verb (ssitda). However, Korean people use a different
verb for washing hair, which is (gamda). We only use it for washing hair, and
nothing else., To make the verb stem for this verb you use - (asseo). (meori)
is originally "head" but it also refers to "hair."
* (meori-reul gamda) - "to wash one's hair"
* . (meori-reul gamasseo) - "I washed my hair."
* . (meori-reul gamasseoyo) - "I washed my hair." (polite)
(i-reul dakda) is the expression that means "to brush one'
* (i-reul dakda) - "to brush one's teeth"
* . (i-reul dakkasseo) - "I brushed my teeth."
* . (i-reul dakkasseoyo) - "I brushed my teeth."
s teeth."
(dakda) literally means "to wipe" and (i) means "teeth." You add - (asseo)
at the end of the verb stem to make it the past tense.
Formation
* (ssitda) - "to wash"
* (ssit) - verb stem
* (ssiseosseo) - "I washed." / "You washed." / "He washed." ...

* ? (ssiseosseo?) - "Did you wash?" / "Did he wash?" ...
Example Sentences
?(jinjja ssiseosseo?)
"Did you really wash up?"
. (eoje meorireul gamatda)
"I wahed my hair yesterday."
. (I-reul dakki silta)
"I don't want to brush my teeth)
ppalli, neutge
,
early, late
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
We often use (ppalli) as an adverb to encourage someone to do something

"quickly." In addition to using it as an adverb, we can use it by itself without a verb to
encourage someone to do something quickly. When we use it by itself, we often repeat
it for added emphasis.
Although this adverb does not have any politeness levels and we can use it with all
levels of speech, you can add at the end of this word to be more polite when you're
using this word alone as in (ppalliyo).
(neutge) is an adverb that means "late." In Korean, we usually place adverbs
before verbs, unlike in English, where most adverbs come after the verbs.
* (neutge) - "late"
* (neutge gada) - "to go late"

* (neutge dochakhada) - "to arrive late"
* (x) - Not correct
* (x) - Not correct
Formation
As with any adverb we use, we use this one before verbs.
+ Verb (or Verbal phrase)
Examples
1. (gada) "to go"
(ga) "go" : imperative (intimate politeness level)
+ (ppalli + ga)
(ppalli ga) "go quickly, hurry up and go"
2. (meokda) " to eat"
(meogeo) "eat" : imperative (intimate politeness level)
+ (ppalli + meogeo)
(ppalli meogeo) "eat quickly, hurry up and eat"
Example Sentences
: , .
jingyu: ya, ppalli gaja.
Jingyu: "Hey, hurry up! Let's go!"
.(eoje neutge jasseoyo.)
"I went to bed late yesterday."
ireonada, jada
,
to wake up, to sleep
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(ireonada) is a verb that means, "to get up," or "to wake up." To make it to
the past tense, you can add - (-asseo) at the end of the verb stem.
* (ireonada) - "to get up"
* (ireona) - verb stem
* . (ireonasseo) - "I got up."
* . (ireonasseoyo) - "I got up." (polite)
* ? (ireonasseo?) - "Did you already get up?" "Are you already up?" "Good
morning."
* ? (ireonasseoyo?) - "Did you already get up?" "Are you already up?"
(polite)
(jada) is a verb that means, "to sleep," "to go to bed," or "to get to sleep." To
change it to the past tense, you can add - (-asseo) at the end of the verb stem.
* (jada) - "to sleep"
* (ja) - verb stem
* (jasseo) - "I slept."
* (jasseoyo) - "I slept." (polite)
* ? (jal jasseo?) - "Did you sleep well?" "Did you get a good night's sleep?"
* ? (jal jasseoyo?) - "Did you sleep well?" "Did you get a good night's
sleep?" (polite)
* ? - "Are you still sleeping?"
* ? - "Are you still sleeping?" (polite)
Example Sentences
.
neutge ireonasseoyo.
"I got up late."

.
eoje neutge jasseoyo.
-yo
-
politeness particle
Category
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Absolute Beginner
- (-yo) is sometimes used as a politeness particle. Generally speaking, if the - (-yo)

particle is left out, it becomes the intimate politeness level (sometimes known as the
casual politeness level). You can add - (-yo) onto nouns, verbs conjugated into the
intimate politeness level, grammatical structures, as well as many other parts of speech.
When - (-yo) is added, as its title suggests, makes the word or sentence polite. This is
in the standard politeness level.
This is used to show to the listeners that you are respecting them. Typically this
politeness particle is used in everyday speech, without active knowledge of it. Also,
sometimes with active effort to be polite, it is added on at the end.
Formation
[] + []
[noun] + [yo]
[ ] + []
[Verbs, intimate politeness level] + [yo]
Example Sentences
(aninde) - but it\'s not

(anindeyo) - but it\'s not (polite)
? (chingu-neun wa?) - Is your friend coming?
? (chingu-neun wayo?) - Is your friend coming? (polite)
? (hakgyo?) - School?
? (hakgyoyo?) - School? (polite)
-eul geoya
-
I suppose, I think
Category
TOPIK Level
Level
Intermediate
-/ [-l /eul geoya] is the intimate politeness level of the structure -/

[-l / eul geomnida]. This is the same form as the intentional, but is not of the
same meaning. While the intentional expresses an intention or a plan to do
something in the future, here, when this grammatical structure can express a
suppositive or assumptive statement about all tenses.
Formation
I. Verb stems ending in a vowel + -- or -
1. [gada] to go
+ = [gal geoya]: "I will probably go...
[gal geoya] - intimate

[gal geo-yeyo] - standard
[gal geomnida] - formal
2. [boda] to see
+ = [bol geoya]: I will probably see
[bol geoya] - intimate

[bol geo-yeyo] - standard
[bol geomnida] - formal
1. [japda] to catch
+ = [jabeul geoya]: I will probably catch...
[jabeul geoya] - intimate

[jabeul geo-yeyo] - standard
[jabeul geomnida] - formal
1. [salda] to live
+ = [sal geoya]: I will probably live...
[sal geoya]: - intimate

[sal geo-yeyo]: - standard
[sal geomnida] - formal
Past Tense
- Verb stem of the past form + - or -
1. [gada] to go ---> [gatda]: "went"
+ = [gatseul geoya]: "(He) probably went...
[gatseul geoya] - intimate

[gatseul geo-yeyo] - standard
[gatseul geomnida] - formal
2. [japda] to catch ---> [jabatda]: "caught"
+ = [jabatseul geosida]: (He) probably caught
[jabatseul geosida](intimate)
[jabatseul geo-yeyo] (standard)
[jabatseul geomnida] (formal)
Example Sentences
1. .
Nado naeil yeonghwa bol geoya.
"I will probably watch a movie tomorrow, too."
2. .
Neo-neun moreul geo-ya.
- I probably don't know.
3. .
Han sigan jeong-do geolril geo-ya.
- I guess it'll take about an hour.
4. !
Jib-e gatseul geoya!
- She probably went home.
5. .
Eomma-neun nollasseul geo-ya.
- I think my mom was surprised.
6. .
nado naeil yeonghwa bol geoya.
"I'm going to watch a movie tomorrow, too."
-ji malda
-
please don't do-, don't doCategory
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
- (-ji malda) is the negative imperative sentence ending and can be translated as
"don't..." The verb in this construction, (malda), when used as an independent verb
means "to stop," "to discontinue," "to cease." This construction is preceded by an action
verb and is used to prohibit or dissuade someone from taking an action.
This construction can also be used as a negative proposition. Proposition, in addition to
tense, mood and politeness level, is indicated in the verb (malda).
Formation
Verb Stem +
Example Sentences
1. (hada) - to do
- verb stem
+ .
. - don't do (negative imperative)
- intimate politeness level
- standard politeness level
- standard politeness level (honorific)
- formal politeness level
2. (ulda) - to cry
- verb stem
+ .
- don't cry (negative imperative)
3. (utda) - to laugh
- verb stem
- .
- don't laugh (negative imperative)

4. (palda) - to sell
- verb stem
+ .
- let's not sell (it) (negative propositive)
Notes
(malda) has an irregular conjugation (refer to '' verbs in the grammar bank for
an in depth explanation). Colloquially, however, the irregular conjugation also applies
to (malda) where it traditionally shouldn't (intimate/standard present tense
conjugation).
Traditional Conjugation:
+ ()
Verb stem + ()
+ ()
(mala) - intimate politeness
(malayo) - standard politeness
Colloquial Conjugation:
+ ()
Verb stem + ()
+ () [ + = ]
(maa) --> (ma) - intimate politeness
(maayo) --> (mayo) - standard politeness
Both the irregular conjugation and colloquial conjugation are acceptable in speech.
neomu

too
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(neomu) is an adverb we use to describe something as excessive. When this is the

case, we translate it as "too" or "overly." At times, we use it as an intensifier. When that
is the case, we translate it as "very," "extremely," or "so."
Formation
(neomu) + Descriptive Verb
Example Sentences
1. .
i yeonghwa neomu jaemisseo.
"This movie is so good."
2. .
yeongeo neomu eoryeowoyo.
"English is too difficult."
3. . .
ki-ga neomu keo. silheo.
"He's too tall. I don't like him."
ssada, bissada
,
inexpensive(cheap), expensive
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(ssayo) is an expression that means "it's cheap." You can add a noun that you
consider inexpensive before this verb. Look up (ssada) in the dictionary.
(bissayo) is an expression that means "it's expensive." '(bi)' means 'not', so if
you add '(bi)' in front of (ssayo/cheap), it means 'expensive'. You can add a noun
that you consider expensive before this verb. Look up (bissada) in the
dictionary.
For example:
1. (gabang) "bag" + .
.
gabang bissayo
"The bag is expensive."
Example Sentences
. .(Jinjja ssayo. Igeo saseyo.)
"It's really cheap. Buy this one."
. ?
(neomu bissayo. igeo-neun eolma-yeyo?)
"It's too expensive. How much is this one?"
eolma
how much?
Category
Adverb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(eolmayeyo) is composed of two parts: (eolma) and (yeyo). -

(-yeyo) is the standard politeness level form of the verb (ida, or "to be"), but we
almost always use it in this form/politeness level when it's used in a store.
Formation
The specific item or service that you want to ask for the price of is proceeded by
(eolmayeyo).
Example:
[ Item A ] + ?
[ Item A ] + eolmayeyo?
"How much is [ Item A ]?"
Example Sentences
? (sagwa eolmayeyo?)
How much is an apple?
myeong
people (counting)
Category
Counting Units
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(myeong) is a word used to count people. It can come after numbers and also
(myeot), the interrogative adjective, to ask "how many people". A noun specifying the
social title or the identity of the person usually comes before the number, but it can be
omitted when you're answering a question.
Ex)
A: ? (chingu myeot myeong isseo? - How many friends do you have?)
B: . (du myeong isseo - I have two (friends).)
Formation
(Nouns specifying a social status or a position) + Number +
Ex)
3 friends = (chingu se myeong)
3 teachers = (seonsaengnim se meyong)
10 taxi drivers = (taeksi gisa yeol myeong)
Example Sentences
1. ? (myeot myeong jeongdo wasseoyo?)
- About how many people came?
2. ? (daseot myeong anjeul jari isseoyo?)
- Are there seats for five people to sit?
3. . (han myeong-man oseyo)
- One person, come over here, please.
-at, -eot, -yeot
-, -, -
did, was (past tense)
Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
-(//)- is a verbal infix, which we use to convey the past tense.
We use for verbs that have or as the last vowel in the verb stem.
We use for verbs that do not have or as the last vowel in the verb stem.
We use for (hada) verbs.
Many times, there are deletions and contractions with repeating vowels. If a verb-stem
ends in a consonant, there are no deletions or contractions. These contraction and
deletion rules follow the // conjugation. Please refer to the grammar bank entry
on -// conjugation to refer to rules for contraction and deletion.
Formation
(Contraction and Deletion Rules follow the same rules as the // conjugation.
Please refer to entry on // conjugation in the grammar bank for contraction and
deletion rules.)
[Verb Stem] + [//] + [Conjugation (politeness level/mood/etc.]
1. ()
Example: (to eat)

- verb stem
[Verb Stem] + [] + [Intimate Politeness Level - //]
[] + [] +[]
. - Simple Past Tense (Intimate Politeness Level)
2. ()
Example: (to eat)
- verb stem
[Verb Stem] + [] + [Standard Politeness Level - // + ]
[] + [] +[]
. - Simple Past Tense (Standard Politeness Level)
3. ()
Example: (to eat)
- verb stem
[Verb Stem] + [] + [Formal Politeness Level - ]
[] + [] +[]
. - Simple Past Tense (Formal Politeness Level)
4.
Example: (to learn)
- verb stem
[Verb Stem] + [] + [Intimate Politeness Level - //]
[] + [] + []
. - Simple Past Tense (Intimate Politeness Level)
5. ()
Example: (to learn)
- verb stem
[Verb Stem] + [] + [Standard Politeness Level - // + ]
[] + [] + []
. - Simple Past Tense (Standard Politeness Level)
6. ()
Example: (to learn)
- verb stem
[Verb Stem] + [] + [Formal Politeness Level - ]
[] + [] + []
. - Simple Past Tense (Formal Politeness Level)
Example Sentences
1. .
jeo-neun hanguk-eseo simnyeon dongan sarasseoyo.
"I lived in Korea for ten years."
Verb: (to live)
+ + [Standard Politeness Level Conjugation - // + ]
2. ?
nuguyeossji?
"Who was it?"
Verb: (to be)
+ + (Confirmation/Agreement Conjugation - )
3. .
mandu mandeureotneunde.
"I made dumplings."
Verb: (to make)
+ + [Introductory Non-Final Ending - (//)]
-eullae, -eullae?
-, -?
I want to, I would like to, shall we?
Category
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
We use this grammatical structure (/) to convey one's desired intention for the
future. It does not express one's actual intention, but one's desired intention. We often
translate it as "want to (verb)." We use this construction with action verbs.
This grammatical construction is in the intimate politeness level. The standard

politeness level adds the politeness particle - (/). We use this structure in
colloquial situations. There is no formal politeness conjugation.
When you want to suggest doing something together to someone or ask whether the
other person wants to do something, you can use this structure. We can translate this as
both "Shall we do something?" or "Do you want to do something?" in English.
When you say something using -/? (-l/eullae?), when you're referring to
something that the other person is to do alone, it's translated only as "Do you want
to...?" but when you're referring to something that you can do together, it's also
translated as "Shall we...?"
Formation
Verb Stem +/
We use for verb stems ending in vowels.
For example:
1. (juda) to give
+
() I want to give (something).
Verb stem + -/? (-l/eullae?)

For Example:
1. (gada) - "to go" --> ? (gallae?) "Do you want to go?" or "Shall we go?"
2. (sada) - "to buy" --> ? (sallae?) "Do you want to buy it?" or "Shall we
buy it?"
We use for verb stems ending in consonants.
For example:
1. (japda) to grab
- verb stem
+
() I want to grab.
Verb stem + -/? (-l/eullae?)

For Example:
1. (gada) - "to go" --> ? (gallae?) "Do you want to go?" or "Shall we go?"
2. (sada) - "to buy" --> ? (sallae?) "Do you want to buy it?" or "Shall we
buy it?"
Example Sentences
1. .
hanguk-euro gallaeyo.
"I want to go to Korea."
2. .
na-neun oneul gyeolhon hallae.
"I want to get married today."
3. .
saranghaebollaeyo.
"I want to give love a try.
?(naeil gachi yeong-hwa bollae?)

"Do you want to watch a movie together tomorrow?"
geo(geot)
()
possessive particle
Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
In Korean, when you want to say "mine," "yours," "theirs," and so forth, you combine
two words. It's very simple. You just put the word for "my," "your," or "theirs" and the
word for "thing" together. The following is the list of possessive adjectives in their most
commonly used forms.
1.
nae (intimate), je (polite)
"my"
2.
ni (intimate - often omitted in polite language)
"your"
3.
nugu (both intimate and polite)
"whose"
4. n/a
(often replaced by the person's name)
"his/her/their"
And you just add (geo) after this. (geo) is a colloquial form of (geot), and we
use it more often simply because it is easier to pronounce it that way.
For Example:
1. nae geo (often pronounced as nae kkeo) meaning "mine"
2. je geo (often pronounced as je kkeo) meaning "mine" (polite)
3. ni geo (often pronounced as ni kkeo) meaning "yours"
4. nugu geo (often pronounced as nugu kkeo) meaning "whose"
Example Sentences
1. .
igeo je geo-yeyo.
"This is mine." (polite)
2. ?
i cha nugu geo-yeyo?
"Whose car is this car?" (polite)
3. ?
i chaek ni geo-ya?
"Is this book yours?" (intimate)
Notes
Expressions Related to Agreeing and Denying
When someone asks you whether something is true or not, you can acknowledge that it
is true or deny that it is true. For this purpose, you can use the expressions (maja)
and (aniya). (maja) comes from the verb (matda), meaning "to be
correct," and you can make it more polite by adding - (-yo) at the end. (aniya)
comes from the verb (anida), and you can make it more polite by saying
(anieyo).
For Example:
1. .
majayo.
"That's correct."
2. .
je geo majayo.
"It IS mine."/"You're right. That's mine."
3. .
anieyo.
"That's not true." /"It's not."
4. .
je geo anieyo.
"That's not mine."
je, nae, ni, uri, jeohui
, , , ,
my, your, our (informal and formal)
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
We use possessive pronouns to attribute ownership of an object to someone. Like any

other pronoun, these replace the nouns. We use different possessive pronouns according
to the speakers relationship with the listener. Humbling pronouns, neutral pronouns,
and intimate pronouns, all indicate the relationship between the listener and the speaker.
Formation
In reality, possessive pronouns are a contraction of pronouns and the possessive particle.
1. = (jeo-ui) - +
first person humbling pronoun + possessive particle
We use (je) to humble oneself in the presence of someone the speaker
respects.
2. = (na-ui) - +
informal first person pronoun + possessive particle
We use (nae) in informal contexts where the speaker feels that (je) is too
polite and inappropriate for the relationship with the listener. We use (nae)
when the speaker does not feel the need to show the highest respect to the
listener.
3. = (neo-ui) - +
informal second person pronoun + possessive particle
We use (ni) in informal contexts when the speaker feels very comfortable
with the listener and the power relationship is at least equal. We commonly use
it when the speaker has the upper hand in the relationship.
4. = + - ()
humbling first person plural noun + (possessive particle)
We actually drop the possessive particle for this possessive pronoun (as we
do in many cases.) We use this possessive particle in formal situations such
as when the speaker does not know the listener well, or when the listener holds
much of the power in the relationship.
5. = + - ()
intimate first person plural pronoun + (possessive particle)
do in many cases.) We use this possessive particle in informal situations when
the speaker feels that (jeohui) is too polite.
Example Sentences
1. .
je chingu-ga hoju-e sarayo.
My friend lives in Australia.
2. .
nae cha-ga jukeosseo.
My car broke down (died).
3. .
ni yeonpil jwo.
Give me your pencil.
4. .
uri jib-eun neolbeo.
My home is big. (neutral/intimate)
5. .
jeohui jip-eun jobayo.
My home is small. (polite)
-eul geosida
-
will, am going to
Category
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
We use this grammar point to express a future action or an intention.

This is stronger than the other intentionals.
We can change the latter part, , to , , and in the present
tense, depending on the politeness levels.
Formation
Verb stem + -/
I. Verb stems ending in a vowel + -
1. [gada] to go
() + = [gal geosimnida]: "will go
[gal geoya] - intimate

[gal geo-yeyo] - standard
[gal geosimnida] or [gal geomnida] - formal
2. [boda] to see
() + = [bol geosida]: will see
[bol geoya] - intimate
[bol geo-yeyo] - standard

[bol geosimnida] or [bol geomnida] - formal
II. Verb stems ending in a consonant + -
1. [japda] to catch
() + = [jabeul geosida]: will catch
[jabeul geoya] - intimate

[jabeul geo-yeyo] - standard
[jabeul geosimnida] or [jabeul geomnida] - formal
III. Verb stems ending with - +
1. [salda] to live
() + = [sal geosida]: will live
[sal geoya]: - intimate

[sal geo-yeyo]: - standard
[sal geosimnida] or [sal geomnida] - formal
Example Sentences
1. !
jib-e gal geoya!
"I'm going to go home!"
2. ?
mwo meogeul geoyo?
"What are you going to eat?"
3. !
neo-rang an nol geoya!
"I'm not going to play with you!"
4. .
nado naeil yeonghwa bol geoya.
"I'm going to watch a movie tomorrow, too."
5. ? !
neo-man gyeolhonhae? nado gyeolhonhal geoya!
"You think only you can get married? I'm going to get married too!"
Notes
We often replace with . It is a pronunciation change that occurs in natural
conversation.
geurigo
and
Category
Conjunction
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
When you want to connect sentences using "and" in Korean, you use the word
(geurigo). You can use for connecting words, but we mostly use it for
connecting sentences in spoken Korean.
Formation
Sentence A. , Sentence B.
For Example:
1. . .
bap meogeosseo. geurigo keopi-do masyeosseo
"I've eaten. And I've also had some coffee."
Example Sentences
Korean
Romanization
"English"
geurigo igeo-neun "And whose is

nugu geo-yeyo? this?"
?
.

.

.
"Have some of
igeo deuseyo.
this. And have
geurigo keopi-do
some coffee,
deuseyo.
too."
geurigo naeil-eun "And tomorrow
swineun nal-ieyo. is a holiday."
geuraeseo
so,therefore,as a result,
Category
Conjunction
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
The Focus of This Lesson Is How to Say "So" or "Therefore" in Korean and also
to Learn Some Expressions about Driving.
.
"So I don't have my driver's license now."
When you want to say "so" or "therefore" in Korean, the simplest way to say this is just
using the word (geuraeseo). You can conjugate the verb of a previous sentence
to connect two sentences, but even if you don't do that, saying (geuraeseo) will
link two sentences just as well. And like in English, if you just say ?
(geuraeseo?) as a question, it can both be a curious inquiry as to what happened next
and a sarcastic "so what?"
Formation
For Example:
1. . .
eoje bi-ga wasseoyo. geuraeseo jib-e isseosseoyo.
"It rained yesterday. So I stayed at home."
Example Sentences
Korean
Romanization

?

?

?
"English"
"So when are
geuraeseo eonje
you going to
ol geo-yeyo?
come?"
geuraeseo
"So what did
eotteoke
you do?"
haesseoyo?
geuraeseo
"So what's the
gyeollon-i mwoconclusion?"
yeyo?
geurigo
and
Category
Conjunction
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
When you want to connect sentences using "and" in Korean, you use the word
(geurigo). You can use for connecting words, but we mostly use it for
connecting sentences in spoken Korean.
Formation
Sentence A. , Sentence B.
For Example:
1. . .
bap meogeosseo. geurigo keopi-do masyeosseo
"I've eaten. And I've also had some coffee."
Example Sentences
Korean
Romanization

?
.

.

.
"English"
geurigo igeo-neun "And whose is

nugu geo-yeyo? this?"
"Have some of
igeo deuseyo.
this. And have
geurigo keopi-do
some coffee,
deuseyo.
too."
geurigo naeil-eun "And tomorrow
swineun nal-ieyo. is a holiday."
geureonde, geunde
,
however, but
Category
Conjunction
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
When you want to say "but" in Korean, (geunde) is the most common expression
among many that Koreans use. (geunde) comes from ( geureonde), but
Koreans use much more commonly than except for in writing.
For Example:
1. . .
igeo bwasseo. geunde jaemieopseo.
"I saw this. But it's not interesting."

Although it's a shortened form of (geureonde) and is certainly more
formal, you can use (geunde) in polite language too.
Example Sentences
. .(bakk-e bi wayo. geunde usan-i eopseoyo.)
"It's raining outside, but I don't have an umbrella."
ireonada, jada
,
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
morning."
(polite)

* (ja) - verb stem
sleep?" (polite)
Example Sentences
.
"I got up late."
.
i, geu, jeo, eoneu
, , ,
this, that, the, some
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Absolute Beginner
We use demonstrative adjectives in conjunction with nouns in order to modify them.

We can express them as follows:
[] - i [noun] - "this" [noun]
[] - geu [noun] - "that" [noun]
(This demonstrative modifier indicates that the noun is far from the speaker but close to
the listener.)
[] - jeo [noun] - "that" [noun] "over there"
(This demonstrative modifier indicates that the noun is far from both the speaker and
listener.)
[] - eoneu [noun] - "which" [noun]
Formation
Simply place (i), (geu), (jeo), or (eoneu) before any noun to describe the
noun as such.
[] - i [noun] - "this" [noun]
[] - geu [noun] - "that" [noun]
[] -jeo [noun] - "that" [noun] "over there"
[] - eoneu [noun] - "which" [noun]
Example Sentences
1. .
geu saram-i miguk-saram-imnida.
"That person is American."
2. ?
eoneu geukjang-e galkkeoya?
"Which theater are you going to?"
3. .
i chingu-neun je junghakgyo chingu-eyo.
"This friend is a junior high school friend."
4. ?
jeo geonmul-i mwo-eyo?
"What is that building over there?"
geo, geugeo, jeogeo
, ,
this thing, that thing, the thing
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Absolute Beginner
(igeo), (geugeo), (jeogeo) are demonstrative pronouns, which we can

express as "this," "that," and "that over there," respectively. These words are pronouns
and we use them just as we use nouns.
(igeo) means "this."
(geugeo) means "that." It indicates the speaker is far from item under discussion
but the listener is close to it.
(jeogeo) means "that." It indicates both the speaker and listener are far from the
item under discussion.
All three of these have corresponding written forms.
Spoken:
, ,
Written:
, ,
Formation
We can break down the written form of these words as such:
For Example:
1. (geot) means "thing."

Literally, (igeot) means "this thing," (geugeot) means "that thing,"
and (jeogeot) means "that thing over there."
In spoken Korean, however, they are as follows:
(geo) means "thing."
Example Sentences
1. .
igeo-neun je chaek-iya.
"This is my book."
2. ?
jeogeo-neun nugukkeo-eyo?
"Who is that over there?"
3. ? .
geugeoyo? geugeo-neun moja-imnida.
"That? That's a hat."
gwaenchana?
?
okay?
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
? (gwaen-chan-a), which means "Are you all right?" is a very common

expression we use to ask whether or not someone is feeling okay.
You can add (jom), which means "some," "a little," or "a few," right before
(gwaen-chan-a) to make it sound more natural.
For Example:
1. ?
jom gwaen-cha-a?
"Are you all right?"
The expression ? "Are you all right?" is very similar to ? (eo-ddae), which
means "How is?"/"How about?" As you will see below, you can use these phrases in
conjunction to ask about someone's condition. You can review them in Absolute
Beginner Season 2 Lesson 5.
Formation
Specific Body Part (noun) + particles (/) + ( jom) + ? (gwaen-chan-a):
"Is your (noun) all right/okay?"
Example Sentences
1. () ?
Meo-ri-neun (jom) gwaen-chan-a?
"Is your head okay?"
2. ? ?
Pal-eun jom eo-ddae? Pal-eun gwaen-chan-a?
"How is your arm? Is it all right?"
3. ? ?
Bae-neun jom eo-ddae? Bae-neun jom gwaen-chan-a?
"How is your stomachache? Is it okay?"
4. ? ?
Da-ri-neun eo-ddae? Da-ri-neun jom gwaen-chan-a?
"How is your leg? Is it all right?"
-a bogo sipda, -eo bogo sipda
- , -
want to try something
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Intermediate
When you want to say that you want to try doing something in Korean, you can use the
structure -// (-a/eo/yeo bogo sipda). This is a combination of // and - , and you can use this structure when you talk about
something that you hope to do. But the reason that a lot of Korean people say -//
instead of just - is because this is a less direct of way of saying that
you "want to" do something.
For Example:
1. .
igeo sseugo sipeoyo.
"I want to use this." (more direct)
2. .
igeo sseo bogo sipeoyo.
"I want to try using this." (less direct thus more polite)
Formation
Verb stem + -// (-a/eo/yeo bogo sipda)

For Example:
1. "to do" - + - - "to want to do/try doing
something"
.
jeo-do hae bogo sipeoyo.
"I want to try doing it too."
Example Sentences
Korean
Romanization
"English"
"I want to try

jeo-do masyeo
drinking some
bogo sipeoyo.
.
of it too."
"I want to try

han beon ga bogo
going there
sipeoyo.
.
once."
"I want to try

honja hae bogo
doing it by
sipeoyo.
.
myself."
jeo-do igeo sseo "I want to try
using it as
bogo sipeoyo.
.
well."
-eoya doeda, -aya doeda.
- , - .
have to be, should be, must be
Category
TOPIK Level
Level
Intermediate
This grammatical construction expresses obligation in Korean. We use it with all verbs
(both action and descriptive) to express what someone must do or must be. We often
translate this grammatical structure as "have to (verb)" or "must (verb)."
The final verb, (doeda), usually means "become," but it can also mean "work out
smoothly," "go without problem," or "be able to achieve."
We can often replace the final verb (doeda) with the verb (hada) as the final
verb and still hold the same exact meaning.
We regularly express the tense and politeness level in the verbs (doeda) or
(hada). We regularly express negation, however, in the first verb.
Formation
Verb stem + (//)
Verb stem + (//)
We use (a) with verb stems with the final vowels (a) or (o).
We use (eo) with verb stems with any other final vowels.
We use (yeo) with (hada) verbs.
1. [junbihada]: "to prepare"

(verb stem) + : - (yeo) conjugation is used with (hada)
verbs
---> [junbi haeya doeda]: "to have to prepare"
2. [jeonhwareul batda]: "to answer the phone"
(verb stem) +
---> [jeonhwareul badaya hada]: "to have to answer the phone"
Example Sentences
1. . .
junhwahaji ma. na il haeya dwae.
"Don't talk on the phone. I have to work."
2. . .
sikkeureopge hajima. na gongbuhaeya dwae.
"Don't be loud. I have to study."
3. , !
museun il saenggyeo-do, i jeonhwa-reul badaya haeyo!
"Whatever happens, you must answer this phone!"
4. .
jeo-neun junbi haeya doegesseoyo.
"I'll have to prepare."
5. .
jeo-neun junbi an haeya doegesseoyo.
"I won't have to prepare."
Notes
The final verb, - (-doeda), cannot inflect the past tense. Instead, we must inflect the
past tense using the verb (hada) in place of (doeda).
-aseo, -eseo (2)
-, - (2)
because, for the reason of, so
Category
Conjunction
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
This grammatical structure indicates the cause or reason for a consequence. It is a nonfinal ending, and thus we typically introduce a consequential sentence after this
structure. However, we commonly use it as a sentence ending because many times we
can infer the consequential sentence. We use it mostly with descriptive verbs (some
action verbs are exceptions).
Formation
-(/),
provides the reason for .
[verb] + -(/)
1. [bappeuda]: "to be busy"
+ -> [bappaseo] : "because I am busy..."
2. [yeppeuda]: "to be pretty"
+ -> [yeppeoseo] : "because you are pretty..."
Example Sentences
1. , .
bappaseo, mot wasseoyo.
"I was busy, so I couldn't come."
2. , .
sul-i johaseo, eoje-do sul masyeosseoyo.
"Because alcohol is good, I drank again yesterday."
3. .
yeppeoseo jeonhwahaetji.
"Because you're pretty, I called."
Notes
Here are examples of situations where we must imply the consequential sentence.
For Example:
: ? [oe neutge watseo?]
Father: "Why did you come late?"
: ... [chaga makyeoseo...]
Son: "Because there was traffic..."
We should make the ending of the sentence , meaning "I was late."
man (2)
(2)
in the time of, for
Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
Level
Intermediate
- (man) is a particle used to indicate how much time has passed since a previous
action happened or a state began until the present moment, when another action is
happening or the state is changing. There isn't a direct translation for this particle that
always works, but it is usually translated as it has been + time or after/in + time.
The form time + is a noun, so - can be attached to it to modify an action.
Formation
Time + - +
- 1 (1 year) + +
- 1 = It's been one year.
Time + - +
- 3 (three months) + +
- 3 . = I came back to Korea three months after I left.
Example Sentences
1. 3 . [] (samilman-e jib-e dorawasseoyo)
- He came back home after three days (of not coming home).
2. . [] (handalman-e hakgyo-e gasseoyo)
- I went to school after one month (of not going there).
3. 1 . [] (ilnyeonman-e mannasseoyo)
- We hadn't met for a year.

4. ? [] (eolmamaniji?)
- How long has it been?
5. 5 . [] (onyeonman-e dasi yeongeo
gongbu-reul dasi sijakhaesseoyo)
- I started studying English again after not studying it for 5 years.
eoryeopda, swipda
,
to be easy, to be difficult
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(suiwoyo) comes from the descriptive verb, (suipda), which means "to be
easy." The conjugation of this verb is irregular, so please refer to the conjugation chart
below to see the different politeness levels and conjugations.
We can use this word in terms of difficulty level. Please see some of the examples
below.
--
(eoryeowoyo) comes from the descriptive verb (eoryeopda), which

means "to be difficult." The conjugation of this verb is irregular, so please refer to the
conjugation chart below to see the different politeness levels and conjugations.
We can use this word in terms of difficulty level. Please see some of the examples
below.
Formation
Politeness
Level
Formal
Korean
Romanization Notes
Standard
suiwoyo
Intimate
suiwo
. suipseumnida
Most formal,
least
colloquial
Polite, very
colloquial
Informal, very
colloquial
Politeness Korean
Romanization
Notes
Level
Formal
. eoryoepseumnida Most
formal,
least
colloquial
Standard
eoryeowoyo
Polite,
very
colloquial
Intimate
eoryeowo
Informal,
very
colloquial
Example Sentences
1. .
orenji juseu mandeulgiga suiwoyo.
"It's easy to make orange juice."
2. .
suneungsiheomi suiwoyo.
"The Suneung Exam (College Entrance Exam) is easy."
1. ... !
seonsaengnim... eoryeowoyo!
"Teacher, it's difficult!"
2. .
suhak sueop jeil eoryeowoyo.
"Math class is the most difficult.
-ja
-
let's, why don't weCategory
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
We use this sentence ending to express invitation, persuasion, or solicitation for an

action, and - is in the intimate politeness form. So make sure you use it only with
people with whom you are on intimate terms.
Formation
Whenever we conjugate a verb or a sentence ending to -, it shows this grammatical
structure.
Example Sentences
1. .
bob meokja.
"Let's eat."
2. .
yeonghwa boreo gaja.
"Let's go watch a movie."
3. !
nolja!
"Let's hang out!"
4. !
jaja!
"Let's sleep!"
5. !
mannaja!
"Let's meet!"
6. !
domanggaja!
"Let's run away!"
7. !
gongbuhaja!
"Let's study!"
8. .
geureotke haja.
"Let's do so."
9. .
gaja.
"Let's go home."
10. .
geuman duja.
"Let's forget about it."
Notes
- is very intimate language. We use it very commonly in everyday conversation, but
you have to be very careful with whom you use this grammar point. You can only use
this very casual language with family and close friends.
geo(geot)
()
possessive particle
Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
In Korean, when you want to say "mine," "yours," "theirs," and so forth, you combine
two words. It's very simple. You just put the word for "my," "your," or "theirs" and the
word for "thing" together. The following is the list of possessive adjectives in their most
commonly used forms.
1.
nae (intimate), je (polite)
"my"
2.
ni (intimate - often omitted in polite language)
"your"
3.
nugu (both intimate and polite)
"whose"
4. n/a
(often replaced by the person's name)
"his/her/their"
And you just add (geo) after this. (geo) is a colloquial form of (geot), and we
use it more often simply because it is easier to pronounce it that way.
For Example:
1. nae geo (often pronounced as nae kkeo) meaning "mine"
2. je geo (often pronounced as je kkeo) meaning "mine" (polite)
3. ni geo (often pronounced as ni kkeo) meaning "yours"
4. nugu geo (often pronounced as nugu kkeo) meaning "whose"
Example Sentences
1. .
igeo je geo-yeyo.
"This is mine." (polite)
2. ?
i cha nugu geo-yeyo?
"Whose car is this car?" (polite)
3. ?
i chaek ni geo-ya?
"Is this book yours?" (intimate)
johahada, sireohada
,
like, dislike
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
The verb (joahada), which means "to like." The sentence order in Korean is
different than it is in English. In English, the basic sentence order is Subject Verb
Object. In Korean, however, the word order is Subject Object Verb. So we often find
the verb (joahada) at the end of simple sentences, with the object coming in
front.
The verb (sireohada), which means "to not like." The sentence order in
Korean is different than it is in English. In English, the basic sentence order is Subject
Verb Object. In Korean, however, the word order is Subject Object Verb. So you'll
often find this verb (sireohada) at the end of simple sentences, with the
object coming in front.
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Formation
The word order in Korean sentences is Subject Object Verb. Often in Korean, we can
omit the subject, so a sentence can often start with simply the object and then end with
the verb.
As an example, we will look at the phrase (jeoneun gimchi

joahaeyo), which means "I like kimchi."
Example Sentences
(soju) meaning "rice wine" (similar to vodka)
.
jeoneun soju joahaeyo.
(gimchi) meaning "fermented Chinese cabbage"

.
jeoneun gimchi sireohaeyo.
(bibimbab) meaning "vegetables and other toppings over rice"
.
jeoneun bibimbab sireohaeyo.
Notes
remember: the word order for Korean is Subect + Object + Verb
-eul su itda , -eul su eopda
- ,-
can, cannot
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
-/ [-l/eul su itda] is a grammatical structure we use to express ability,

capability, or possibility (e.g., whether you can or can't speak English, or you can or
can't use a computer). We add this structure onto the end of both descriptive and action
verbs to express the possibility or capability of those verbs. We can translate this as
"can" or "able to."

We can conjugate the last verb, (itda), to express politeness level, tense, or mood.
Traditionally, the verb can inflect negation as well, but in this grammatical structure, the
negated form would come from the verb opposite to the verb [itda], which is -
[eopta]. We can translate the construction -/ [-l/eul su eoptda] as "cannot"
or "not able to."
However, when using the construction / [-l/eul su eoptda], this carries the
notion that the speaker (or subject of the sentence) was unable to do something because
he or she did not have the capacity to perform that activity. Using this structure implies
that the subject does not possess the ability to perform that action (i.e.,
meaning "I can't eat" ("I don't have the ability to eat")). When expressing the "can't"
because of factors other than inability, we use the impossibility adverb (mot).
Formation
Verb Stem + -/ or -/

I. Verb stems ending in a vowel + - or -
1. [gada] to go
+ - => [gal su itda]: "to be able to go"
+ - => [gal su epda]: "to not be able to go"
2. [boda] to see
+ - => [bol su itda]: "to be able to see
+ - => [bol su eopda]: "to not be able to see"
3. [hada] - "to do"
+ - => [hal su itda]: "to be able to do"
+ - => [hal su eopda]: "to not be able to do"
1. [itda]: "to exist" or "to have"

+ - => [itseul su itda]: "to be able to have ...
+ - => [itseul su eopda]: "to not be able to have"
2. [japda] to catch
+ - => [jabeul su itda]: "to not be able to catch...
+ - => [jabeul su eopda]: "to not be able to catch"
1. [alda] to know
+ - => [al su itda]: "to not be able to know...
+ - => [al su eopda]: "to not be able to know"
Example Sentences
1. .
hakgyo gal su eopseoyo.
"I wasn't able to go to school." ("I didn't have the ability to.")
2. , .
son-i apaseo, sseul su eopseoyo.
"I can't write because my hand hurts."
3. .
yeongguk-e sal su isseumnida.
"I can live in England."
4. .
malhal su eopseoyo.
"I can't tell you."
5. ?
naeil-do ol su isseoyo?
"Can you come again tomorrow?"
6. ?
jeonyeok-e yeonghwa boreo gal su isseoyo?
"Can you go see a movie (with me) tonight?"
7. ?
jadongcha jom billil su isseoyo?
"Can I borrow (your) car for a while?"
8. ?
jeo dowajul su isseoyo?
"Can you help me?"
9. .
"I can speak Korean." (standard politeness level)
10. .
"I can't speak Korean." (standard politeness level)
11. .
gimchi-reul meogeul su eopseumnida.
"I can't eat kimchi." (formal politeness level)
12. .
gimchi-reul meogeul su isseumnida.
"I can eat kimchi." (formal politeness level)
geureonde, geunde
,
however, but
Category
Conjunction
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
When you want to say "but" in Korean, (geunde) is the most common expression
among many that Koreans use. (geunde) comes from ( geureonde), but
Koreans use much more commonly than except for in writing.
For Example:
1. . .
igeo bwasseo. geunde jaemieopseo.
"I saw this. But it's not interesting."
Although it's a shortened form of (geureonde) and is certainly more
formal, you can use (geunde) in polite language too.
Example Sentences
. .(bakk-e bi wayo. geunde usan-i eopseoyo.)
"It's raining outside, but I don't have an umbrella."
-deul
-
-s (plural suffix)
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
In General, singular and plural are not secifically stated but are infered from context.
You can attach the suffix "[deul] after any nouns.
Formation
Noun + [deul]
1. [haksaeng] : a student
+ -> [haksaengdeul]: students
2. [chaeksang] : a table
+ -> [chaeksangdeul]: tables
Example Sentences
1. () .[Maneun haksaeng(deur)i gyosire itseoyo]
- " There are many students in a class."
2. . [Sodeuri deulpane georeogago itseoyo]

- " Cows are walking in the field."
eoddae?
?
What about A?
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
A. Noun(s) + (eoddaeyo?) is a very basic and simple "how" question.
B. Koreans often politely (formally) ask about opinions by saying - ?

(eoddaeyo?), meaning "How is?" or "How about?"
Formation
Here is the way to form this construction:
- noun(s) + Topic-marking particle (eun)/ (neun) + (eoddaeyo?)
Example Sentences
1. ?
"How about my clothes?"
(Note: "my" is (nae), and "clothes" are (ot))
C. When informally speaking, we use -? (eoddae?), meaning "How is?" or "How
about?"
Notes
1. () ?
Keopi(neun) eoddayo?
"How is coffee?"/"How about coffee?"
2. () ?
Chaek(eun) eoddaeyo?
"How is a book?"/"How about a book?"
3. () ?
Banchandeul(eun) eoddaeyo?
"How are side dishes?"/"How about side dishes?"
4. () ?
Hangukeo(neun) eoddaeyo?
"How is Korean?"/"How about Korean?"
soyugyek myeongsa

Possessive Pronouns
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
Making possessive pronouns is very easy in Korean. Simply add (geot) right after the
possessive-marking adjective.
Formation
- Possessive-marking adjective noun + () + (geot)
Example Sentences
Noun/
Person
"I"
Possessive
Possssive:
Korean/
Pronoun: PA + "English"
Romanization + (ui)
(geot)
(jeo)
(formal)
=
(je) or
=
(jegeot) or
or (na)
(informal)
=
(nae)
=
(naegeot)
"mine"
"you"

(danshinui
or geot) or
"yours"
(formal) or

(neo)
(neoui geot) =
(informal)
(ne geot)
"he"
(geu)

(geuui geot)
"his"
"she"
(geunyeo)

(geunyeoui
geot)
"hers"
"we"
(wuri)

(wuriui geot)
"ours"
"you"
(dangshindeului "yours"
(danshindeul)
geot)
"they"
(geudeul)
(danshin)

(geudeului
geot)
"theirs"
"male"
(namseong)
"female"
(yeoseong)
"Tim"
(tim)

(namseongui
geot)
"male's"

(yeoseongui
geot)
"female's"

(Timui geot)
"Tim's"
Notes
1. .
Jeogeoteun dangshinui geot imnida.
"That is yours."
2. 2. .
Chaekdeuleun geudeului geot imnida.
"Books are theirs."
3. .
Hangukeoneun modeun saramdeului geot imnida.
"Korean is (for) everyone."
je, nae, ni, uri, jeohui
, , , ,
my, your, our (informal and formal)
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
We use possessive pronouns to attribute ownership of an object to someone. Like any

other pronoun, these replace the nouns. We use different possessive pronouns according
to the speakers relationship with the listener. Humbling pronouns, neutral pronouns,
and intimate pronouns, all indicate the relationship between the listener and the speaker.
Formation
In reality, possessive pronouns are a contraction of pronouns and the possessive particle.
1. = (jeo-ui) - +
first person humbling pronoun + possessive particle
We use (je) to humble oneself in the presence of someone the speaker
respects.
2. = (na-ui) - +
informal first person pronoun + possessive particle
We use (nae) in informal contexts where the speaker feels that (je) is too
polite and inappropriate for the relationship with the listener. We use (nae)
when the speaker does not feel the need to show the highest respect to the
listener.
3. = (neo-ui) - +
informal second person pronoun + possessive particle
We use (ni) in informal contexts when the speaker feels very comfortable
with the listener and the power relationship is at least equal. We commonly use
it when the speaker has the upper hand in the relationship.
4. = + - ()
humbling first person plural noun + (possessive particle)
do in many cases.) We use this possessive particle in formal situations such
as when the speaker does not know the listener well, or when the listener holds
much of the power in the relationship.
5. = + - ()
intimate first person plural pronoun + (possessive particle)
do in many cases.) We use this possessive particle in informal situations when
the speaker feels that (jeohui) is too polite.
Example Sentences
1. .
je chingu-ga hoju-e sarayo.
My friend lives in Australia.
2. .
nae cha-ga jukeosseo.
My car broke down (died).
3. .
ni yeonpil jwo.
Give me your pencil.
4. .
uri jib-eun neolbeo.
My home is big. (neutral/intimate)
5. .
jeohui jip-eun jobayo.
My home is small. (polite)
ui
of (Possessive-Marking particle)
Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
When we use the particle (ui) to connect two nouns, it indicates that the second noun
belongs to the first. In this way, it is equivalent to the apostrophe "-s" ('s) in English.
We sometimes omit it in casual conversation.
Formation
Noun
A/
Person
"I"
"you"
Noun A + ui + Noun B
Korean/
+ (ui) "English"
Romanization
(jeo)
(formal) or
=
(je) or
(na)
(informal)
=
(nae)
(danshin)
(formal) or
or
(neo)
(informal)
(ne)
"my"
"your"
"he"
(geu)
"his"
"she"
(geunyeo)
"her"
"we"
(wuri)
(wuri)
"our"
"you"
"your"
(danshindeul)
"they"
(geudeul)
"their"
"male"
(namseong)
"male's"
"female's"
"Tim's"
"female"
(yeoseong)
"Tim"
(tim)
Example Sentences
1. .
Igeotdeuleun jeoui shinbal imnida.
"These are my shoes."
2. .
Namseongbundeului shinbaleun yeogie itseupnida.
"There are men's shoes here."
3. .
Yeoseongbundeului shinbaleun jeogie itseupnida.
"There are women's shoes (over) there."
Notes
Note: In this dialogue, "I," /, becomes "my," (je)/ (nae). This is because +
becomes (je) in a shortened form and + becomes (nae) in a shortened
form.
wa, gwa
,
and
Category
Conjunction
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
In Korean, we have two words that mean "and" (which is used to connect two nouns).
Which one is used depends on whether the previous syllabic block ends in a
consonant or a vowel.
Formation
1. A and B = A (wa) B
wa means "and", and is used when the previous syllabic block ends in a vowel
Example:
A and B
(Eng)
A (Korean)
A + "and"
(Kor)
B (Kor) A wa B
(Kor)
"I and you"
(informal)
na
na wa
neo

na wa neo
"You and I"
(informal)
neo
neo wa
na

neo wa na
"He and she" (informal)

geu
geu wa
geu wa
geunyeo
geunyeo
2. A and B = A kwa B
kwa is used when the previous syllabic block ends in a consonant
Example:
A and B (Eng)
A (Kor)
A + "and"
(Kor)
"They and we"
geudeul
geudeul kwa wuri
"Younger sibling
dongsaeng
and dad"
dongsaeng
kwa
B
(Kor)
"This and that"
igeot
abba
A kwa B
(Kor)

geudeul kwa
wuri

dongsaeng kwa
abba
igeot kwa
jeogeot
jeogeot
igeot kwa
Example Sentences
Sample Sentences:
1. .
Nawa dongsaengeun suyeongeul joahapnida.
"My younger brother and I like swimming."
2. .
Gyulkwa baega itseupnida.
"There are tangerines and pears."
3. .
Jyuseuwa muleul jom juseyo.
"Please give me some juice and water."
4. .
Geuneun suyeongkwa yagureul joahapnida.
"He likes swimming and baseball."
Notes
There are many ways to saying "and" in Korean: - hago, -() (i)rang, and / wa/kwa
e.g) I like apples, bananas, oranges, and pears.
sagwa "apples", banana "bananas", orenji "oranges", and bae
"pears"
naneun "I"
joahamnida "like"
Therefore,
1. with - hago, , , ,
(mainly in speaking).
2. with -() -(i)rang, , , ,
(mainly in speaking).
3. with / wa/kwa, , , ,
(mainly in writing and speaking).
Sunsu Hangukeo sutjawa hamkke ssuiineun danwui myeongsa

counting units used with pure-Korean numbers
Category
Counting Units
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(Sunsu Hangukeo sutjawa hamkke

ssuiineun danwui myeongsa) means "counting units used with Pure Korean numbers."
These are the counting units we use with Pure Korean numbers (native Korean
numbers).
Formation
1. Counting Units Used with Pure Korean Numbers
"English Category" / Korean / Romanization
"people" / , , / saram, myeong, bun
"items," "units," "objects" / / gae
"o'clock" / / si
"times" / / beon
"hours" / / sigan
"animals" / / mari
"years of age" / / sal
"buildings," "houses" / / chae
"blossoms," "stems" / / songi
"bowls," "cups" / / geureut
"glasses," "cups" / / jan
"bottles" / / byeong
"packs (of cigarettes)" / / gab
"sets of clothes" / / beol
"pairs of shoes" / / keolle
"thin, flat objects (sheets)" / / jang
"vehicles," "machines" / / dae
Note: Remembering those all the categories is quite difficult. Try to remember these
seven first: "people," "units," "times," "o'clock," "hours," "animals," and "years of age."
Example Sentences
1. // .
Jeogie nesaram/myeong/bun itseupnida.
"There are four people."
2.
Jeogie dugae itseupnida.
"There are two units."
3. .
Yeolsebeoneul sidogaetseupnida.
"I have tried thirteen times."
4. .
Jeoneun ojeon yeodeolsie ileonapnida.
"I get up at eight o'clock a.m."
5. .
Jeoneun maeil ne sigan hangukmaleul gongbuhapnida.
"I study Korean four hours every day."
6. () .
Jeogie yeolhan mari(ga) itseupnida.
"There are eleven animals."
7. .
Jeoneun seumul se sal ipnida.
"I am twenty-three years old."
Notes
2. , "Pure Korean Numbers"
Pure Korean Number / / Romanization
1 / ( + noun) / hana (han +)
2 / ( + noun) / dul (du +)
3 / ( + noun) / set (se +)
4 / ( + noun) / net (ne +)
5 / / daseot
6 / / yeoseot
7 / / ilgob
8 / / yeodeol
9 / / ahob
10 / / yeol
11 / ( + noun) / yeolhana (yeolhan +)
12 / ( + noun) / yeoldul (yeoldu +)
13 / ( + noun) / yeolset (yeolse +)
14 / ( + noun)/ yeolnet (yeolne +)
15 / / yeoldaseot20 / ( + noun) / seumul (seumu +)
30 / / seoreun
40 / / maheun
50 / / shwin
60 / / yesun
70 / / ilheun
80 / / yeodeun
90 / / aheun
100 / / baek
1,000 / /cheon
10,000 / / man
100,000 / / sipman
1,000,000 / / baekman
10,000,000 / / cheonman
100,000,000 / / eok
Note: The most important numbers are from (hana), meaning "one," to
(yeoldaseot), meaning "fifteen."
The numbers "twenty," "thirty," "forty," and "fifty" are difficult to remember. Give
yourself enough time to learn them, please.
For Example:
1. .
Jeoneun ojeon ilgobsie ileonapnida.
"I get up at seven o'clock a.m."
2. .
Jeoneun ohu yeoldusie jeomsimeul meokseupnida.
"I eat lunch at twelve o'clock p.m."
3. .
Jeoneun ohu yeolsie japnida.
"I sleep at ten o'clock p.m."
ro, euro
,
with, by, using
Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
1. -() (-(eu)ro) "-by"
- (-ro) means "by" or "using", which we use to talk about tools, instruments, and
methods that we use to do something. It is often used when talking about transportation.
2. / (-ro/-euro)
When do we use (-ro) and (-euro)?
1. use - (-ro) when the noun ends in a vowel.
jajeongeoro
"by bicycle"
2. use - (-euro) when the noun ends in a consonant.
jeotgalakeuro
"with chopsticks"
Exception! If the consonant is , with the sound of l, then, you have to use - (ro) instead of - (-euro).
Formation
Formation: noun + ()
Example Sentences
For Example:
1. ? (Note: (geollida) "to take")
Beoseuro eolmana geolripnikka?
"How long does it take by bus?"
2. 1 .
Jihacheolro hansigan geolripnida.
"It takes about one hour by subway."
3. .
Nan jajeongeoro jipe gapnida.
"I go home by bicycle."
4. .
Jeotgarakeuro ramyeoneul meokseupnida.
"I eat noodles with chopsticks.
Notes
Exception! If the consonant is , with the sound of l, then, you have to use - (ro) instead of - (-euro).
Example:
1.
jihacheol ro
"by subway"
2.
yeonpil ro
"by a pencil"
Hanjaeo sutjawa hamkke ssuiineun danwui myeongsa

counting units used with sino-Korean numbers
Category
Counting Units
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(Hanjaeo sutjawa hamkke ssuiineun danwui

myeongsa) "Counting Units Used with Sino-Korean Numbers"
These are the counting units we use with Sino-Korean numbers.
Formation
1. Counting Units used with Sino-Korean numbers
"Unit in English" / Korean / Romanization
1. "Korean money" / / won
2. "Minutes" / / bun
3. "Serial numbers" / / beon
4. "Months of the year and days of the month" / , / wol, il
5. "Months" / / gaewol
6. "Portions of food" / / bun
7. "Weeks" / / ju
8. "Years" / / nyeon
9. "Floors" / / cheung
Note: For more information on the counting units we use with Sino-Korean numbers,
please look for Counting Units used with Sino-Korean Numbers in the Grammar Bank.
Remembering all the categories of counting units used with Sino-Korean Numbers is
quite difficult. Give yourself enough time to learn them!
Example Sentences
1. 35,000 .
Igeoteun samman dcheon won imnida.
"This is thirty-five thousand Korean won."
2. 2.
3 45 .
Jigeumeun se si sa sip o bun imnida.
"It's three-forty-five."
Note: We use Pure Korean numbers for "hours," (si), and Sino-Korean
numbers for "minutes," (bun).
1. 468 .
I mulgeonui beonhoneun sabaek yuksip pal beon imnida.
"The serial number for this product is #468."
2. 9 6 .
Oneuleun gu wol yuk il imnida.
"Today is September sixth."
Notes
Here is a list of some of the Sino-Korean numbers.
Number / Korean / Romanization
1 / / il
2//i
3 / / sam
4 / / sa
5//o
6 / / yuk
7 / / chil
8 / / pal
9 / / gu
10 / / sip
11 / / sip il
12 / / sip i
13 / / sip sam
20 / / i sip
30 / / sam sip
40 / / sa sip
50 / / o sip
60 / / yuk sip
70 / / chil sip
80 / / pal sip
90 / / gu sip
100 / / baek
1,000 / / cheon
10,000 / / man
100,000 / / sip man
1,000,000 / / eok
kkaji (1)
(1)
till, until, to, up to
Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
- (kkaji) is a particle that marks a point in time or a certain location in which a

certain action ends. We can translate it as "until" or "up to."
When we use it with location words, it is typically preceded by another location word
and the particle (buteo), the time/location point marker. (kkaji) marks a place
where a movement or an action has started, and the other particle, (buteo), marks
where a movement or action has ended.
Formation
Time word/Location word +
Time word: 6 (yeol si) "six o'clock"
For Example:
1. 6 +
6
yeol si-kkaji
"until six o'clock"
2. 6 .
chingu-rang yeol si-kkaji isseul geoya.
"I'm going to be with my friend until six o'clock."
Location word: (sijang) "market"
For Example:
1. +
sijang-kkaji
"up to the market"
2. .
sijang-kkaji daeryeoda julge.
"I'll drive you up to the market."
Example Sentences
1. .
yeogi-buteo nyuyok-kkaji meoreoyo.
"It's far from here to New York."
2. 12 , .
yeoldusi-kkaji yaksog-i isseunikkan, mannal su eopseoyo.
"Because I have plans till twelve o'clock, I can't meet you."
3. ?
yeogi-kkaji wasseo?
"You came all the way here?"
4.
hana-buteo yeol-kkaji
"one to zero" ("every little detail")
5. .
oneul-eun yeogi-kkaji-yeyo
"Today, it's until here." ("That's it for today.")
6. ?
eodi-kkaji gaseyo?
"Until where do you go?" ("Where are you going?")
7. ?
igeot-kkaji haeya dwaeyo?
"Do I even have to do this?"
8. ?
eonje-kkaji sigan isseoyo?
"Until when do you have time?"
Notes
- (-kkaji) can also mean "even" in certain situations. In this case, we link
(kkaji) to a noun.
For Example:
1. ?
chingu-kkaji mannasseo?
"You even met his friends?"
buteo
from (time and place)
Category
particle
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
- (-buteo) is a particle that marks a point in time or a certain location in which a

certain action starts. We can translate it as "from," "since," or "starting from."
When we use it with location words, it is typically followed by another location word
and the particle (kkaji), the time/location point marker. (buteo) marks a place
where a movement has started, and the other particle, (kkaji), marks where a
movement has ended.
Formation
Time word/Location word +
Time word: (eoje) "yesterday"

For Example:
1. + =
eojebuteo
"since yesterday"
2. .
eojebuteo pigonhaesseo.
"I was tired since yesterday."
Location word: (hakgyo) "school"
For Example:
1. + =
hakgyobuteo
"starting from school"
2. .
hakgyo-buteo jip-kkaji georeosseo.
"I walked from school to home."
Example Sentences
1. 2 .
du si-buteo ilhaesseo.
"I worked since two o'clock."
2. .
jip-buteo hoesa-kkaji jajeongeo tasseoyo.
"I rode a bicycle from home to the office."
buteo/eseo
/
from, since
Category
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
- (buteo) and - (eseo) are words that mean "from", and both can be used for
indicating time, range and distance. They are often paired with (kkaji), which
means "until" or "up to". Although and are of the same meaning, is
much more commonly used than . Also, doesn't sound very natural with some
nouns, but there is no set rule for this.
Formation
Noun + /
Ex)
- (oneul) - today
- + = = from today
Ex)
- (yeogi) - here
- + = = from here
Example Sentences
1. . [] (naeil-buteo dambae an piulgeyo)
- I won't smoke from tomorrow on.
2. . [] (jeo-buteo sijakhalgeyo)
- I'll start first.
3. ? [] (eonje-buteo hangugeo
gongbuhaesseoyo?)
- Since when did you study Korean?
4. . [] (daeum ju-buteo oji maseyo)
- Stop coming here, starting next week.
5. . [] (keopi-buteo sikija)
- Let's start with ordering coffee.
Notes
Note that - can also work as a location particle, expressing the place where an
action takes place.
-do
-
too, also
Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Absolute Beginner
We use the particle - (-do) to express that a statement we already expressed holds true
for another noun. If we issue a statement and that statement holds true for another
person or thing, we use the particle - (-do). We attach this particle directly to the noun
it is modifying. This correlates with the English words "too" and "also."
Formation
This is a very simple particle to use. It is simply suffixed to the end of the noun it is
modifying.
For Example:
1. .
jeo-neun seonsaengnim-imnida
"I am a teacher."
.
jeo-do seonsaengnim-imnida
"I am also a teacher."
Here, we replace the topic-marking particle -/ (-eun/-neun) with the augmentative
particle - (-do).
Example Sentences
1. .
jeo-neun seonsaengnim-imnida
"I am a teacher."
.
uri nuna-do seonsaengnim-imnida
"My sister is also a teacher."
2. .
jeo-neun chuwoyo
"I'm cold."
.
minji-ssi-do chuwoyo
"Minji is also cold."
e (2)
(2)
at, in, on (time)
Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
1
Level
Absolute Beginner
The particle - (-e) can be translated into English as "at," "to," "on" or "in," depending
on the context. It can be used to indicate time, direction, or a specific location where an
action takes place. In this specific lesson it is used to indicate time and can be translated
as "at," "to," or "in."
Time Particle: The particle - (-e) can be used to indicate the time at which an action
takes place. This particle is attached to time specific words, which includes time, day of
the week, date, month, and year. Depending on context this particle can be translated as
"at," "to," or "in."
[ .] (du si ban-e kkeutnayo.) - It ends at two thirty.
In this sentence, the particle - (-e) indicates the time it ends - 2:30.
[ ] (cheon gubaek osip ilnyeon-e
taeeonasseumnida) - (I) was born in 1951.
In this sentence, the particle - (-e) indicates the year (I) was born.
[ .] (woryoil-e hakgyo-e an gamnida]
I don't go to school on Monday. In this specific sentence the particle - (-e) is used
twice. The first is to mark the time (/woryoil - Monday) and the other one
() marks the direction (because it is used with the verb (gada) - to go.
(Please refer to direction particle for more information on - as a direction particle)
Formation
Formation: Time Noun + (e) "at, in", which means "at" a certain time
Time: The particle - (-e) is attached to a time word at which the action is taking place.
Time word +
Time word + e
Time word + in, at on
Example Sentences
1. ?
A-chim myeot-si-e ileo-namnikka?
"At what time in the morning, do you get up?"
2. 7 .
Jeo-neun a-chim-eul il-gop-si-e meok-seumnida.
"I eat breakfast at 7:00 in the morning."
3. 1 .
O-hu han-si-e jeom-sim-eul meok-seumnida.
"(I) eat lunch at 1:00 p.m."
4. .
I-beon-ju to-yo-il-e kae-ri-bi-an be-i-e gamnida.
"I go to Caribbean Bay on (this) Saturday."
* note: place noun + (e) "to" : destination of movement
5. .
Ol-hae-e hak-kyo-reul jol-eop-hamnida.
"I will graduate school (in) this year."
6. () ?
Su-yo-il-e(neun)mwo-hae?
"What would you do on Wednesday?"
*note: you may add (neun) "particle" after (e) "to" when emphasizing the
specific time
7. ?
da-eum-ju-e mwo-hae?
"What do you do (in) next week?"
8. ?
O-neul-bam-e mwo-hae?
"What do you do at tonight?"
Notes
* note: - (e) / (e-neun) can be replaced each other. Add (neun) when
wanting to emphasize the Noun.
Some time words do not use the time particle - (-e). These words include:
(jigeum), (oneul), (naeil), (more), (eoje), (geujeokke).
Related Expressions
Supplement: other usages of (e) "to, on, and per"
A. Place Noun + (e) + moving verbs such as "to go, to come, to bring..." destination of movement
1. .
Na-neun han-guk-e gamnida.
"I go to Korea."
2. .
Jeo-neun da-eum-ju-e mi-guk-e gamnida.
"I will go to America next week."
B. Place Noun + (e) + "at, in, on" (spatial location)
1. .
Ui-ja-e an-seumnida.
"Sit on the chair."
2. .
Je ga-jok-i ta-i-e it-seo-yo.
My family is in Thailand.
C. Counting Noun + (e) "per, for" (Counting Noun)
1. ?
Bul-go-gi il-in-bu-e eol-ma-e-yo?
"How much is it per one serving of Bulgogi?"
2. ?
Sa-kwa han-gae-e eol-ma-e-yo?
"How much is it for an apple?"
- as a time particle.
- as a static locational particle.
- as a proportional particle.
ireonada, jada
,
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
morning."
(polite)
* (ja) - verb stem
sleep?" (polite)

Example Sentences
.
"I got up late."
.
eseo
at, in, on (place)

Category
Particle
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
This particle (e-seo) marks a location of an action, and it also marks a spatial or a
temporal point of departure (Absolute Beginner Season 2 Lesson 13 - A B
"from A to B").
Formation
Formation: Place Noun + (e-seo) "in" or "at (a place)"
1. [hak-gyo]: school
+ -> [hakgyo-eseo]: at a school
2. [bang]: room
+ -> [Bang-eseo]: in a room
Example Sentences
1. () ?
Eo-di-e-seo il-hap-nikka?
"Where do you work (at)?"
2. .
Jeo-neun gong-jang-e-seo il-hap-nida.
"I work at the factory."
3. .
Na-neun sik-dang-e-seo bab-eul meok-seumnida.
"I have a meal in the restaurant."
4. .
Han-guk-e-seo bo-ja.
"Let's see each other in Korea."
5. .
Seo-ul-e-seo man-naja.
"Let's meet in Seoul."
Notes
** Note: if the noun ends in a consonant sound, it's better to use than just .
If the noun ends in a vowel sound, you may use either or .
Related Expressions
The Other Usage of (e-seo), meaning "from (a place)"
This particle, (e-seo), meaning "from," marks a spatial or a temporal point of
departure. (This supplement is related to Absolute Beginner Season 2 Lesson 13.)
For Example:
1. ?
Eo-neu na-ra-e-seo wat-seum-nikka?
"Where are you from?"
2. ?
Seo-ul-e-seo mi-guk-kkaji myeot si-gan geol-rim-nikka?
"How many hours does it take [to go] from Seoul to America?"
-gi ttaemune
-
because
Category
Conjunction
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
- (-gi ttaemune) means "because," and we use it to show the reason for an
action or a state. Originally, in Korean means "because of," so by adding - at
the end of the [verb stem] or the [verb stem + past infix], you literally nominalize the
verb and say "because of verb(-ing)."
There are several ways to express reasons in Korean.
1. Verb stem + (past infix if necessary) + -// +
2. Verb stem + (past infix if necessary) + -()
3. Verb stem + (past infix if necessary) + -()
4. Verb stem + (past infix if necessary) + -
generally expresses a stronger justification of the consequence than -//,

and is equally as strong as -(). So if you say - or , you are (in
most cases) indicating that what has happened, is happening, or will happen as a
consequence, has all the right reasons to happen.
Formation
Verb stem + (past infix if necessary) + -
Noun +
Example Sentences
1. .
bissagi ttaemune sal su opseoyo.
"Because it is expensive, I can't buy it."
2. .
neomu meolgi ttaemune gagi silheoyo.
"Because it is too far, I don't want to go."
3. .
oneul-eun bi-ga ogi ttaemune usan-i jal pallyeoyo.
"It's raining today so the umbrellas are selling well."
4. !
yageun ttaemune neomu pigonhae!
"I'm so tired because of working extra hours!"
5. !
neo ttaemuniya.
"It's all because of you!"
6. ?
mueot ttaemune geureoseyo?
"Why are you doing that?" ("You are doing it because of what?")
7. .
geureoki ttaemune geumandueosseoyo.
"That's why I quit."
Notes
The syntax order in Korean is often different from that in English, so we can also
translate - as therefore or so, depending on which part of the entire
sentence you translate first.
Hoching (ajeossi, ajumma, jagi)How to call Mr.Ms.Honey
(, , )
how to call Mr.Ms.Honey
Category
Noun
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
In Korea many people do not refer to each other by names but rather by titles. This
applies to siblings, cousins, friends, professors, and even strangers. Strangers have titles
according to the age they seem. And this can create some difficulties because of the fact
that age must be guessed.
(ajeossi) - This title is used for older men approximately in their 30's and above.
There is no exact age when one is regarded as (ajeossi), but it generally means
that the person is not considered young any more. This phrase is neither considered rude,
nor impolite.
(ajumeoni) - This title is used for older women approximately in their mid
30's and above. Again, there is no exact age when one is regarded as
(ajumeoni), but it is used when the person is not considered young anymore.
Because of this, it can also be taken as an insult by women who want to consider
themselves as young. This phrase is neither considered rude, nor impolite, but is
something that women do not desire to be called. Also, many Koreans call
'(Ajumma) for shorten way, but it is considered rude in some cases.
(haksaeng) - This word means 'student.' This word is used for young people who
are (or seem to be) in High School or University. This is a general term for young
people, both male and female of this age, and it is not considered rude, nor impolite.
/ (Jagi / Dangshin) - This word means 'Honey, Darling' This word is used for a
wife/husband/boyfriend/girlfriend who are in serious relationship. Both men and
women can be called by this. It is not considered rude, not impolite.
Example Sentences
, . (Ajeossi, Jamkanmanyo.) Hey, Mister. Hold on a sec.

, . (Ajumma, eogi jumun jeom batdajuseyo). Excuse
me but please take an order please.
, . (Haksaeng, Igeok jjom dowajeo) Excuseme (Young guy) but
please help this.
, . (Jagi, saranghae) Honey, I love you.
mari
animals (counting)
Category
Counting Units
TOPIK Level
Level
Advanced
(myeong) is a word used to count animals. It can come after numbers and also
(myeot), the interrogative adjective, to ask 'how many animals'. A noun specifying the
kind of animal usually comes before the number, but it can be omitted when you're
answering a question. is also used for an animal or fish that is already dead and
made into food.
Ex)
A: 2 . (na gae du mari isseo - I have two dogs.)
B: 3 . (na se mari isseo - I have three. )
Formation
(Nouns specifying the kind of animal) + Number +
Ex)
3 cats = (goyangi se mari)
5 birds = (sae daseot mari)
Example Sentences
1. . (mogi han mari-ga deureowasseoyo)
- A mosquito came in.
2. . (gangaji han mari kiugo isseoyo)
- I'm raising a puppy.
3. . (dak han mari da meogeosseoyo)
- I ate one whole chicken.
Notes
------------------------------------ Animal Names in Korean
------------------------------------1. dog = (gae)
2. puppy = (gangaji)
3. cow = (so)
4. rabbit = (tokki)
5. goat = (yeomso)
6. sheep = (yang)
7. mouse = (jwi)
8. horse = (mal)
9. deer = (saseum)
10. monkey = (wonsungi)
11. tiger = (horangi)
12. wolf = (neukdae)
13. fox = (yeou)
14. lion = (saja)
15. elephant = (kokkiri)
16. pig = (dwaeji)
17. bear = (gom)
18. whale = (gorae)
19. chicken = (dak)
20. duck = (ori)
21. frog = (gaeguri)
22. fish = (mulgogi)

23. bird = (sae)
24. mosquito = (mogi)
25. fly = (pari)
Sometimes the form [Number + Counter + -(of) + Noun] (ex. ) can be

used. However, it is mostly used in writing and uncommon.
apeuda (apa)
()
to sick
Category
Verb
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
(apa) comes from the verb (apeuda) meaning, "to be painful, to hurt." This
is in casual language, so we can use it with close friends, family members, and between
people on close terms. (appa) comes after the noun that refers to a part of the body
that is aching or a person who is sick.
Formation
Subject()+
Example Sentences
.(bae apayo.)
"I have a stomachache."
ddaemune
because of Category
Conjunction
TOPIK Level
Level
Absolute Beginner
Talking about the Reason or Cause for an Action or State
Koreans often use and say the phrase (ddae-mun-e), meaning "because" or
"because of," when they express the reason or cause for an action or state.
* NOTE: In this lesson, we are learning simply about [NOUN] + (ddae-mun-e)

"because of the [NOUN]." In the future lessons at upper Korean levels, we will learn
more about the expression [VERB STEM] + (gi) "a noun maker" + (ddaemun-e) "because of."
Formation
[Noun(s)] +
Example Sentences
1. ... ( !...)
Na ddae-mu-e... (neo-ga gam-gi-e geol-ryeot-gu-na!...)
"Because of me...(you got a cold!...) = "You got a cold from me."
2. , !
Neo ddae-mun-e, nan han-guk-geo-reul jo-a-hae!
"Because of you, I like Korean!"
*Note: Please listen to Absolute Beginner Season 2 Lesson 18 to learn about

(jo-a-hae), meaning "to like."
3. !
Nal-ssi ddae-mun-e, nan jip-e it-seo.
"Because of the (poor condition of) weather, I am (staying) at home."
4. , !
Neo ddaem-e, nae-ga bab-reul mot meok-geo!
"Because of you, I can't eat a meal!"
Notes
In the future lessons at upper Korean levels, we will learn more about the expression
[VERB STEM] + (gi) "a noun maker" + (ddae-mun-e) "because of."
-go itda
-
-being doing
Category
TOPIK Level
Level
Beginner
- is the present progressive and shows a continual action. We use it with action
verbs. We express tense and politeness level in the final verb (itda).
Formation
Action Verb Stem + (go itda)
1. (meokda) - "to eat"

- verb stem
- "to be eating"
2. (mogyokhada) - "to bathe"

- verb stem
+ - "to be bathing"
Example Sentences
1. , ?
jigeum, mwo hago isseoyo?
"What are you doing now?"
2. .
tellebijyeon bogo isseoyo.
"I'm watching TV."
3. ?
mwo bogo isseoyo?
"What are you watching?"
4. . .
syupeomaeniyo. syupeomaen-i haneul-eul nalgo isseoyo.

"Superman. Superman is flying in the sky."
Notes
We use the progressive to describe wearing articles of clothing. We use it to describe
the actual action of putting on an article of clothing. We also use it to describe the state
of wearing an article of clothing.
For example:
1. (ipda) to wear
.
jamba-reul ipgo isseoyo.
(He) is putting on a jacket.
OR
(He) is wearing a jacket.
2. (sseuda) to wear
.
moja-reul sseugo isseoyo.
(She) is putting on a hat.
OR
(She) is wearing a hat.

Korean Grammar I

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Korean Grammar I

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ipda, beotda

please give me Category

"Please give me [item]": (mul juseyo)

yeogi, geogi, jeogi

-a, -eo, -yeo

alda, moreuda (ara, molla)

? (je beonho arayo?)

- (-go sipda) is a grammatical structure that expresses desire. We use this in

1. (noraehada) - "to sing"

2. (salda) - "to live"

[] + [- ] (sal) + (go sipda)

(neomu) is an adverb we use to describe something as excessive. When this is the

.(jeo-neun georeum-i ppallayo.)

.(i buseu-neun neomu neuryeoyo.)

? (eodi-yeyo?) is a phrase used to ask where something is. The literal

(wae) is a question word that we use to ask someone for an explanation. It is

We translate (wae) as "why" in English. In the same situations we use "why" in

+ (wae + dongsa) "Why + verb"

(museun) is a question word we use to specify and inquire about details. We

The phrase "Who is (he/she)" in Korean is ? (nuguyeyo?).

There are two ways to say most of the colors in Korean.

Color Names in Korean

Korean Romanization "English" Adjective

** Note: , , , and don't have a separate "adjective" form.

-eul su itda , -eul su eopda

-/ [-l/eul su itda] is a grammatical structure we use to express ability,

Future / Present Tense

+ - => [hal su itda]: "to be able to do"

II. Verb stems ending in a consonant + - or -

1. [itda]: "to exist" or "to have"

(dangyeonhaji) comes from the verb (dangyeonhada) meaning "to

-- (chuwo) means, "to be cold" as in temperature or weather. is in the intimate

igeo, geugeo, jeogeo

(igeo), (geugeo), (jeogeo) are demonstrative pronouns, which we can

? (eodi-yeyo?) is a phrase used to ask where something is. The literal

(wae) is a question word that we use to ask someone for an explanation. It is

We translate (wae) as "why" in English. In the same situations we use "why" in

+ (wae + dongsa) "Why + verb"

(museun) is a question word we use to specify and inquire about details. We

The phrase "Who is (he/she)" in Korean is ? (nuguyeyo?).

Hoching (ajeossi, ajumma, jagi)How to call Mr.Ms.Honey

We can use (itda) to say "to be" (location).

We can also use (itda) to express "to be" (existence).

We can use (eoptda) to express "to not have" (possession).

cannot, unable, incapable

(mot) is an adverb that expresses impossibility, inability, strong denial, or strong

1. (nolda) "to play"

[Noun Form of The Verb] +

-gi swipda, -gi eoryeopda

- / (-gi swipda/eoryeopda) is used to describe something that is

4. . (gimchi-neun mandeulgi eoryeowoyo)

-myeon an doeda, -eumyeon an doeda.

This grammatical construction expresses negative obligation in Korean. -()

[ilgeumyeon an doeda]: "You must not read it."

2. [ttwida]: "to run"

not, don't (intentionally)

(an) is an adverb which functions to negate a verb. It is typically translated as "not"

[an] + [hada dongsa]

? (gwaen-chan-a), which means "Are you all right?" is a very common

A. Noun(s) + (eoddaeyo?) is a very basic and simple "how" question.

B. Koreans often politely (formally) ask about opinions by saying - ?

- (-go sipda) is a grammatical structure that expresses desire. We use this in

1. (noraehada) - "to sing"